How to add a file upload in Google Forms
Add a file upload question to a Google Form, limit it to PDFs or other file types, and set a maximum file size so responders send what you need.
Quick answer
Open a question's type menu, choose File upload, and select Continue on the Drive prompt. Then turn on Allow only specific file types and tick the formats you want, such as PDF. Finally, open Maximum file size and pick a limit like 100 MB. Responders then upload files to your form.
Steps at a glance
- Open the question type menu
- Choose File upload
- Select Continue on the prompt
- Turn on Allow only specific file types
- Tick the formats you accept
- Open Maximum file size
- Pick a size limit
Interactive demo
Summary
A file upload question lets responders attach documents, images or PDFs directly to their form answers. You control which file types are accepted and how large each file can be, so submissions arrive in a format you can use.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the question type menu
Open your form and click the question you want to change. Type your question text, then click the Multiple choice drop-down at the right of the question card to see the list of question types.
Step 2
Choose File upload
In the list, click File upload. The list includes options such as Short answer, Paragraph, Checkboxes and Dropdown, so look for File upload below Dropdown.
Step 3
Confirm the file upload prompt
A prompt appears with Cancel and Continue buttons. Click Continue to switch the question to a file upload.
Step 4
Limit the file types
The question card now shows file options. Tick Allow only specific file types if you want to restrict what responders can send. The form also shows a note that it can accept up to 1 GB of files.
Step 5
Allow PDF files
Under the file types, tick the formats you accept. The list includes Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Drawing, PDF, Image, Video and Audio. Tick PDF to accept PDF files.
Step 6
Set the maximum file size
Click the Maximum file size drop-down, currently set to 10 MB, to open the list of size limits.
Step 7
Pick a size limit
Choose a limit from the list, such as 100 MB. Forms saves the change automatically and shows All changes saved in Drive.
Why this matters
You are collecting signed consent forms, résumés or event paperwork and do not want to chase attachments over email. A file upload question puts every submission in one place and keeps out file types you cannot open.
Frequently asked questions
Which file types can I allow?
The list offers Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet, Drawing, PDF, Image, Video and Audio.
Can I choose the maximum file size?
Yes. Open the Maximum file size drop-down and pick a limit. The list includes 1 MB, 10 MB and 100 MB.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to create a Google FormLearn how to create a Google Form from the Blank form option, name it, add your first questions, and reach the Publish step in a few clicks.
How to see Google Form responsesSee Google Form responses in three views: a summary chart, question by question, or one submission at a time, plus the Link to Sheets option.
How to add conditional logic in Google FormsLearn how to add conditional logic in Google Forms by splitting a form into sections and sending each multiple choice answer to its own section.
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