Google Forms is a great product. Information technology's free, piece of cake to utilize and popular. Even so, accepting attachments or file uploads requires yous to use specific settings. If you desire to collect files from anyone or allow file uploads without login to google – you'll need to use file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

Here are the 6 steps you demand to take to successfully upload files and attachments using Google Forms.

one. Add together a file upload field to your Google Course

To add a file upload question, choose '+' and so utilize the dropdown to find 'File upload'. You can choose to allow only specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

2. Make sure that your respondents have Google accounts OR utilize software that connects to Google Drive

Yous can just receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. There is no easy workaround just using Google Forms to let file uploads without login.

If you want to receive files from anyone you'll need to use file asking software that connects to Google Drive.

This blazon of software isn't gratis. Nonetheless, also as getting a form architect with provisional logic, you lot'll also have access to additional functionality like:

  • Dynamic file organisation linked to your Google Drive account
  • Automated reminder email sequences
  • A customised file request process

3. Connect your Google Form to your individual Google Bulldoze (or the file upload option will be greyed out)

Shared drives are a nifty way to work with teams: "Shared drive files belong to the team instead of an private. Fifty-fifty if members exit, the files stay in place then your team tin proceed sharing data and work anywhere, from whatsoever device."

Nevertheless, you won't exist able to use file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared drive. If the file upload selection is greyed out this might be why. This restriction seems to be related to security issues  Read more in the Google Help Department.

iv. Turn off Data Loss Prevention (or the file upload option volition exist greyed out)

If your administrator has turned on data loss prevention this tin also pb to the file upload option existence greyed out as well.

Cheque with your administrator that Data Loss Prevention is turned off is y'all want to request files using Google Forms. If your ambassador is hesitant to practice this, then you'll need to await to other file asking options.

v. Choose the Google Form settings that piece of work for you lot

Google Forms allows you to alter certain settings. Yous can make the grade into a quiz, manage how you collect responses and change how the grade and responses are presented.

6. Send clients a link to your Google Form

You lot tin can email clients with a link to your Google Course, or ship them a link direct. Google gives you the option to shorten your link, although you can't customise information technology.

Yous tin't embed a Google Form in your website if you have a file upload question in information technology. You'll get an fault message if yous try and do this.

Are the Google Forms restrictions too difficult? There are other options.

If information technology is important for you that you tin request and organise files from clients, partner businesses or suppliers then you might need to wait at other options. You'll specifically want upload software that natively integrates with Google Drive, so your workflow is every bit streamlined as possible.

We created File Request Pro so that you lot can use cloud drives for what they are great at – file storing and synching beyond devices – and File Asking Pro for professionally collecting and organising whatsoever blazon of file or binder.

How File Asking Pro works – the like shooting fish in a barrel fashion to allow file uploads from anyone direct to Google Drive

  1. Sign upwardly for a free trial account and connect your Google Drive account (shared or individual) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload page using as many or as few customisations options equally y'all cull
  3. Add together any actress form fields to collect text information (engagement, email, subconscious, anything really) and decide whether you want a 1-folio or multi-folio form
  4. Add provisional logic to questions or entire pages then your clients merely come across relevant questions
  5. Activate a reminder sequence of emails and set a deadline so you don't take to chase clients manually for content
  6. Send a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload page in your website. Clients don't need to sign in or create an business relationship.
  7. Files and any text will automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by any value you cull

To read in more detail about how File Upload Pro works delight see our article: Permit anyone to upload files direct to your Google Drive.

Hither'south an example of a File Request Pro branded upload page: