Google Forms is a great product. It's free, like shooting fish in a barrel 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 Bulldoze instead.

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

1. Add together a file upload field to your Google Grade

To add a file upload question, choose '+' and then use the dropdown to observe 'File upload'. Yous tin can choose to permit only specific file types, maximum number of files and maximum file size.

2. Make sure that your respondents take Google accounts OR use software that connects to Google Bulldoze

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 desire to receive files from anyone you'll need to use file request software that connects to Google Drive.

This blazon of software isn't free. Even so, likewise as getting a form architect with conditional logic, yous'll as well accept access to boosted functionality like:

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

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

Shared drives are a peachy manner to work with teams: "Shared bulldoze files belong to the team instead of an individual. Even if members go out, the files stay in place so your squad can go along sharing information and work anywhere, from any device."

However, you lot won't be able to utilize file upload questions if the form is stored in a shared bulldoze. If the file upload choice is greyed out this might exist why. This brake seems to exist related to security issues  Read more in the Google Aid Section.

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

If your administrator has turned on information loss prevention this tin also lead to the file upload selection existence greyed out as well.

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

5. Choose the Google Form settings that work for you

Google Forms allows yous to change sure settings. Y'all can make the form into a quiz, manage how you collect responses and change how the form and responses are presented.

vi. Transport clients a link to your Google Form

You tin email clients with a link to your Google Grade, or send them a link directly. Google gives y'all 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 lot'll become an error bulletin if you try and practise this.

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

If it is important for you that you lot can request and organise files from clients, partner businesses or suppliers then you might need to look at other options. Y'all'll specifically want upload software that natively integrates with Google Drive, so your workflow is equally streamlined as possible.

We created File Request Pro and then that you lot can utilise deject drives for what they are great at – file storing and synching across devices – and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organising whatever blazon of file or binder.

How File Request Pro works – the like shooting fish in a barrel way to let file uploads from anyone directly to Google Drive

  1. Sign upwardly for a free trial account and connect your Google Drive account (shared or private) with a click
  2. Create a branded upload page using as many or as few customisations options as you choose
  3. Add any actress grade fields to collect text data (engagement, email, hidden, annihilation actually) and decide whether you want a one-folio or multi-page form
  4. Add together provisional logic to questions or unabridged pages so your clients only run into relevant questions
  5. Activate a reminder sequence of emails and ready a borderline so you don't have to chase clients manually for content
  6. Transport 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 lot choose

To read in more than detail virtually 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: