Google Forms is a great product. It'southward gratis, like shooting fish in a barrel to apply and popular. Nonetheless, accepting attachments or file uploads requires y'all to use specific settings. If you want to collect files from anyone or allow file uploads without login to google – you'll demand to utilize file upload software instead that integrates with Google Drive instead.

Hither are the 6 steps y'all demand to accept to successfully upload files and attachments using Google Forms.

one. 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 tin cull to let merely specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

two. Make certain that your respondents take Google accounts OR employ software that connects to Google Drive

You lot can but receive files from respondents with Google accounts using Google Forms. There is no easy workaround but using Google Forms to allow file uploads without login.

If you lot want to receive files from anyone you'll need to use file request software that connects to Google Bulldoze.

This type of software isn't gratis. Nonetheless, as well as getting a form architect with conditional logic, you'll also have access to boosted functionality like:

  • Dynamic file system linked to your Google Drive account
  • Automated reminder electronic mail sequences
  • A customised file request process

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

Shared drives are a smashing way to work with teams: "Shared drive files belong to the squad instead of an individual. Even if members go out, the files stay in place and then your team can keep sharing data and piece of work anywhere, from any device."

However, y'all won't be able to apply file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared bulldoze. If the file upload pick is greyed out this might be why. This restriction seems to be related to security issues  Read more in the Google Help Section.

4. Plow off Data Loss Prevention (or the file upload choice will be greyed out)

If your administrator has turned on data loss prevention this can also atomic number 82 to the file upload option being greyed out as well.

Check with your administrator that Information Loss Prevention is turned off is yous want to request files using Google Forms. If your ambassador is hesitant to do this, then y'all'll need to look to other file request options.

5. Choose the Google Course settings that work for you

Google Forms allows you to alter certain settings. You can make the class into a quiz, manage how y'all collect responses and change how the form and responses are presented.

6. Send clients a link to your Google Course

You tin can email clients with a link to your Google Grade, or send them a link directly. Google gives you the option to shorten your link, although you lot can't customise it.

You lot can't embed a Google Form in your website if y'all have a file upload question in it. Yous'll go 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 yous that you can request and organise files from clients, partner businesses or suppliers then you might need to look at other options. You'll specifically want upload software that natively integrates with Google Bulldoze, so your workflow is as streamlined as possible.

We created File Request Pro and then that y'all can use deject drives for what they are great at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organising any type of file or binder.

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

  1. Sign up for a gratis trial business relationship and connect your Google Drive account (shared or individual) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload page using every bit many or every bit few customisations options as you cull
  3. Add whatever extra form fields to collect text information (date, email, hidden, anything really) and determine whether you want a one-page or multi-page class
  4. Add conditional logic to questions or entire pages so your clients simply encounter 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. Send 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 whatever value you cull

To read in more particular virtually how File Upload Pro works delight 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: