How to Upload Files in Microsoft Forms
Microsoft Forms is a handy tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and forms. Many people use it because it’s easy, readily available, and free. You can ask the questions you want and send them all to the right recipient.
Whether you’re collecting feedback, conducting research, or managing event registrations, sometimes you need to allow respondents to upload files. Is that something you can do with Microsoft Forms? What if you could find a more straightforward answer?
This guide will show you how to enable file uploads in Microsoft Forms and explore an alternative – 123FormBuilder – that can further improve your form-building experience.
Uploading Files in Microsoft Forms
Technically, you can add an upload file feature to your Microsoft Forms. But it requires a workaround, like many form fields and features you won’t find natively in Microsoft Forms.
We will start by telling you that you can use Microsoft Forms with or without an account, but to use the upload file option, you do need an organizational Microsoft account. That way, the files you gather can be stored in your OneDrive account.
You may wonder why you need an upload file field on your form. Well, it makes it more convenient for respondents to share essential documents. This way, they don’t have to send you an email or use another tool to send documents after filling in the form. And it can be easier for you, too. You will find all the information you need in one place, eliminating the risk of jumbling files and submissions.
Use case examples for using the upload file form field:
- When collecting field trip forms from student parents
- When requesting reviews from product users
- When collecting incident reports
- When accessing technical log files from customers, coworkers, etc.
Keep in mind that this workaround has limitations. Microsoft Forms only allows users from your organization to upload files. When you create the form, you can choose who can access the form – all the people in your organization or a select few.
Steps to Enable File Uploads in Microsoft Forms
Create or Open a Form: Log in to Microsoft Forms with your Microsoft account.
Open an existing form or create a new one by clicking on the “New Form” button.
Add a File Upload Field:
- Click on the “+ Insert New Question” button in your form.
- From the list of available question types, select Upload File.
- Microsoft Forms will ask you for permission to automatically create a folder in your OneDrive to store uploaded files. Select Yes to continue with the form.
Enter a Promt Letting Responders Know Where to Upload Files
Set File Upload Restrictions:
- Specify the number of files a user can upload (up to 10 per question).
- Set a file size limit (up to 1 GB per file).
- Restrict file types (e.g., PDFs, images, Word documents). You can make the field mandatory by enabling the Required toggle.
Add Any Remaining Form Fields and Customize the Design.
Test the Form: Before sharing, test the file upload feature to ensure everything functions as expected.
Share the Form: Once satisfied, Select the Collect Responses option, share the form link or QR code with your respondents. Uploaded files will be stored in the designated OneDrive folder for review.
Why Choose 123FormBuilder Over Microsoft Forms?
While Microsoft Forms is a solid choice for basic forms, 123FormBuilder provides a more robust and flexible solution. And one you can use for anyone, not just your colleagues. You may want to allow job applicants to add their cover letter or CV to their form or collect reviews from large groups of users. That’s something you can’t do with the upload field in Microsoft Forms.
123FormBuilder, on the other hand, allows you to collect files from anyone who fills out your form. You can choose the type of files you want to allow responders to upload so you can get the data you need.
How to Enable File Uploads in 123FormBuilder
Steps to Create a File Upload Form
Sign Up or Log In: Visit 123FormBuilder and sign up for a free account, or log in if you already have one.
Create a New Form:
- Click the + New Form button.
- Choose a blank form or use a template.
Add a File Upload Field:
- Drag and drop the File Upload field from the left-hand menu onto your form.
Press the little settings wheel from the top right of the field and open the form field settings on the right side.
Set limits on the number of files, file size, and accepted file types to suit your needs.
Give your upload file form field a label and instructions to make it clearer for responders. For example, add “Drop your files here” in the instructions box.
Customize the Form:
- Adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to align with your brand if needed.
- Use conditional logic to show or hide the file upload field based on user responses, if needed.
Configure Storage Integrations:
- Connect to platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or your preferred cloud storage solution.
Publish and Share:
- Once your form is ready, share it via email or social media or embed it on your website.
Manage Uploaded Files:
- Access files directly from your integrated storage or from the 123FormBuilder dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Both Microsoft Forms and 123FormBuilder offer file upload functionality. But, as you can see, we provide more form and field customization, more integrations, and flexibility for your data collection needs. If you’re looking for a scalable solution for collecting files through forms, 123FormBuilder is the clear winner. Start creating smarter forms today!
