Google Forms is a great product. It’s free, easy to use and popular. However, accepting attachments or file uploads requires you to use specific settings. If you want 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 need to take to successfully upload files and attachments using Google Forms.
1. Add a file upload field to your Google Form
To add a file upload question, choose ‘+’ and then use 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 use software that connects to Google Drive
You can only receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. There is no easy workaround just using Google Forms to allow file uploads without login.
If you want to receive files from anyone you’ll need to use file request software that connects to Google Drive.
This type of software isn’t free. However, as well as getting a form builder with conditional logic, you’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 Drive (or the file upload option will be greyed out)
Shared drives are a great way to work with teams: “Shared drive files belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if members leave, the files stay in place so your team can keep sharing information and work anywhere, from any device.”
However, you won’t be able to use file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared drive. If the file upload option is greyed out this might be why. This restriction seems to be related to security issues Read more in the Google Help Section.
4. Turn off Data Loss Prevention (or the file upload option will be greyed out)
If your administrator has turned on data loss prevention this can also lead to the file upload option being greyed out as well.
Check with your administrator that Data Loss Prevention is turned off is you want to request files using Google Forms. If your administrator is hesitant to do this, then you’ll need to look to other file request options.
5. Choose the Google Form settings that work for you
Google Forms allows you to change certain settings. You can make the form into a quiz, manage how you collect responses and change how the form and responses are presented.
6. Send clients a link to your Google Form
You can email clients with a link to your Google Form, or send them a link direct. Google gives you the option to shorten your link, although you can’t customise it.
You can’t embed a Google Form in your website if you have a file upload question in it. You’ll get an error message if you try and do this.
Are the Google Forms restrictions too difficult? There are other options.
If it is important for you that you can request and organize files from clients, create intake forms, onboard vendors or suppliers, then you might need to look at other options. You’ll specifically want upload software that natively integrates with Google Drive, so your workflow is as streamlined as possible.
We created File Request Pro so that you can use cloud drives for what they are great at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organizing any type of file or folder using upload forms and pages.
With the native Google Sheets integration, you can also collect your responses directly on a Google Sheets as you would be using Google forms
How File Request Pro works – the easy way to allow file uploads from anyone direct to Google Drive
- Sign up for a free trial account
- Create a branded upload page using as many or as few customisations options as you choose
- Add any extra form fields to collect text information (date, email, hidden, anything really) and decide whether you want a one-page or multi-page form
- Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages, so your clients only see relevant questions
- Connect your Google Account from your page Integrations settings.
- Activate a reminder sequence of emails and set a deadline, so you don’t have to chase clients manually for content
- 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 account.
- Files and any text will automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by whatever value you choose
To read in more detail about how File Upload Pro works, please see our article: Allow anyone to upload files directly to your Google Drive.
Here’s an example of a File Request Pro branded upload page:
