How to upload files to Google Forms without sign-in?

Introduction

As a recruiter or organizer, you often need to capture applicants' details and allow them to upload their resumes or documents. Google Forms offers a quick way to build such forms, but it requires users to log in with their Google accounts to upload files. This can be a significant limitation if your form is public-facing. In this article, we'll show you how to overcome this limitation using the Form Facade add-on, which allows users to upload files without needing to sign in.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Google Form with File Upload

Step 1: Create a New or Open Your Google Form

Start by creating a new Google Form or open an existing one.

Step 2: Add a File Upload Question

Add a new question and choose the "File upload" option from the list of question types.
Once added, you’ll notice a prompt saying, "Let respondents upload files to Drive. Files will be uploaded to the form owner's Google Drive. Respondents will be required to sign in to Google when file upload questions are added to a form. Make sure to only share this form with people you trust."

Step 3: Previewing the Form

Click to preview the form from an incognito window to simulate how your users would view it.
You will see a prompt asking users to log in to their Google account. This means non-Google users won't be able to submit your form, which could lead to many potential applicants abandoning the form.

To solve the sign-in problem and allow for anonymous file uploads, follow these steps:

1. Install Form Facade Add-On

First, install the Form Facade add-on from the G Suite Marketplace. You can find the installation URL and related articles in the description box below the video.

2. Customize Your Google Form with Form Facade

Open your Google Form with the file upload question already included.
Click on "Form Facade" from the add-on menu and select "Customize this form."
Form Facade will detect the file upload question and ask if you want to make it a public form with the option for anonymous file upload. Click "Yes" and then "Proceed."

3. Share and Test Your Form

Share the link to your customized form with your users. Test it in an incognito window to confirm that it no longer requires a sign-in.
Note how users can now click on the "Choose file" button to upload a file from their computer without needing to log into a Google account.

Points to Remember

Single File Upload: Users can upload only one file per file upload question. Add multiple questions if more files are needed.
File Size Limit: There is a maximum file size limit of 5 MB per file.
HTML Conversion: Form Facade converts Google Drive file uploads into HTML uploads. In Google Forms, you'll see a short answer question, but end-users will see the file upload option.

This process is ideal for recruiters, educational institutions, administrators, real estate agents, or any business requiring document submissions.

Thanks to Form Facade, you can now offer a more user-friendly experience by accepting file uploads in Google Forms without the need for user sign-in.

Keywords

Google Forms
File Upload
Form Facade
Anonymous Upload
Sign-in Requirement
Recruitment Forms
Document Submission

FAQ

1. Can I add multiple file upload questions in a Google Form? Yes, you can add multiple file upload questions to accept more than one file.

2. What is the maximum file size I can allow per file upload? The maximum file size limit is 5 MB per file.

3. Will the uploaded files fill up my Google Drive space? No, with Form Facade, the files are not uploaded to your Google Drive. Instead, you receive a URL link to the uploaded file.

4. Do users need a Google account to upload files? No, users do not need to sign in to a Google account to upload files, thanks to the Form Facade add-on.

5. How do I ensure my form is accessible to public users? By using Form Facade, you convert the Google Drive upload into HTML upload, making it accessible to public users without the need for sign-in.