File Uploads in Google Forms: The Ultimate Guide for 2023
In this article, we will show you how to utilize the Google Forms upload file feature and share our process to test file uploads in Google Forms. Read on to learn more.
File Uploads in Google Forms
In order to upload files in Google Forms, simply follow the steps below.
1. Create a File Upload Question
To start, click on the “+” icon on the right sidebar of your form. This adds a blank question field.
From the dropdown menu adjacent to the new question field, choose the “File Upload” option.
2. Acknowledging Storage in Google Drive
After activating the file upload feature, a notice appears indicating that any files uploaded by respondents will be saved in the form owner's Google Drive. Read this alert and comprehend its implications for your storage. Press “Continue” to acknowledge.
3. Choose Allowed File Types
In Google Forms, you can modify the allowed file types. Let’s explore this below.
Allowing Specific File Types:
Directly below the question field, you'll find the option "Allow only specific file types." Activating this allows you to select from a list of file formats, including PDF, DOCX, JPG, and others. Choose the formats you want respondents to use for uploads.
Open File Types:
If you wish for respondents to be able to upload any type of file, simply leave the specific file types option deactivated.
4. Setting the File Size Limit
Located just below the file type settings, you can adjust the maximum file size for uploads. Configure this to determine the range you prefer, whether it's 1 MB, 10 MB, or as large as 10 GB.
5. Phrase the File Upload Instruction or Prompt
In the main question field (above the file settings), input a directive or query for respondents. This can be a clear instruction like "Upload
our report here."
6. Making File Upload Compulsory
If respondents need to provide a file before form submission, turn on the “Required” toggle situated on the form's right side.
Testing and Preview
In order to test the Google Forms upload file feature, simply follow the steps below.
1. Initiate the Form's Preview Mode
At the top of the Google Forms editing page, you'll find an eye-shaped icon that represents the "Preview" function. Click on this to view and interact with the form as if you were an actual respondent.
2. Navigate to Your File Upload Question
Within the form's preview mode, search for the section where you added the File Upload question. This area will stand out with a button or section designed for file uploads.
3. Begin with Allowed File Types
Based on your prior settings, start your testing with the file types you permitted. For instance, if you only allowed PDF and DOCX files, start by uploading a PDF.
4. Check for Successful Upload Indicators
After uploading an allowed file type, expect to see feedback. It typically displays the file's name or, for images, a thumbnail preview. This confirms that the upload process is smooth and functional.
5. Attempt Uploading a Disallowed File Type
Test the feature's restrictions by attempting to upload a non-permitted file type. For example, if you didn't specify image files in your allowed types, try attaching a PNG or JPG.
6. Try Multiple File Upload (if enabled)
If your File Upload question allows for multiple files to be attached at once, test this by choosing two or more files simultaneously. Verify that the multiple file upload feature operates without hitches.
7. Validate All Uploaded Files
Following a multi-file upload, confirm that each file's name or thumbnail is visible. This indicates that every file was successfully uploaded.
8. Complete Other Sections and Submit the Form
After testing the File Upload feature, ensure you fill out any other questions in the form. Then, click the "Submit" button at the bottom to simulate a full-form submission.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to use the File Uploads in Google Forms feature and its different options.
You might also like our articles about the multiple-choice grid in Google Forms and how to autofill a Google Form. To optimize your workflow better, we recommend reading our guide on how to alert multiple emails in Google Forms.
