Google Forms is a great production. It's free, easy to apply and popular. However, accepting attachments or file uploads requires you to apply specific settings. If you want to collect files from anyone or let file uploads without login to google – yous'll demand to use file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

Here are the half dozen steps you need to have to successfully upload files and attachments using Google Forms.

i. Add together a file upload field to your Google Form

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

ii. Make sure that your respondents have Google accounts OR apply software that connects to Google Drive

You can only receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. There is no piece of cake workaround just using Google Forms to permit file uploads without login.

If y'all want to receive files from anyone you'll need to utilize file asking software that connects to Google Bulldoze.

This type of software isn't free. However, as well as getting a form builder with conditional logic, y'all'll also take access to additional functionality similar:

  • Dynamic file organisation linked to your Google Drive business relationship
  • Automated reminder email sequences
  • A customised file request procedure

3. Connect your Google Form to your private Google Drive (or the file upload selection volition exist greyed out)

Shared drives are a smashing manner to work with teams: "Shared bulldoze files belong to the squad instead of an private. Even if members leave, the files stay in place so your team tin keep sharing information and piece of work anywhere, from any device."

However, you lot won't be able to use file upload questions if the class 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 Aid Department.

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 atomic number 82 to the file upload option existence greyed out likewise.

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 y'all'll need to expect to other file request options.

v. Cull the Google Form settings that work for you lot

Google Forms allows you to change certain settings. Yous can brand the form into a quiz, manage how y'all collect responses and modify how the form and responses are presented.

6. Transport clients a link to your Google Form

You can email clients with a link to your Google Class, 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 accept a file upload question in information technology. Yous'll get an error message if y'all try and do this.

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

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

Nosotros created File Request Pro and so that y'all can apply cloud drives for what they are peachy at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organising any blazon of file or binder.

How File Request Pro works – the easy way to allow file uploads from anyone straight to Google Drive

  1. Sign up for a free trial business relationship and connect your Google Drive account (shared or individual) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload page using equally many or equally few customisations options as you choose
  3. Add any actress form fields to collect text information (date, email, hidden, anything actually) and determine whether you want a one-page or multi-page form
  4. Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages and then your clients only see relevant questions
  5. Activate a reminder sequence of emails and set a deadline so yous don't have to chase clients manually for content
  6. Ship a customised link to your clients, or embed the upload folio in your website. Clients don't demand to sign in or create an account.
  7. Files and any text volition automatically appear in your folders in Google Drive, organised by any value you choose

To read in more than item about how File Upload Pro works delight encounter our article: Allow anyone to upload files direct to your Google Drive.

Here'southward an example of a File Asking Pro branded upload page: