How to let people upload files to a Google Form without signing in
Google Forms can't do it on its own. Any form with a File upload question asks respondents to sign in to Google first. Here's why, what your options are, and the quickest fix.
Why Google asks for a sign-in
Files uploaded through Google Forms are saved in the form owner's Google Drive, and Google ties every upload to the account that sent it. Without an account there's nothing to tie it to, so as soon as you add a File upload question, Google warns you that respondents will be asked to sign in.
Two groups of people get stuck:
- People without a Google account. Many clients, parents, job applicants and customers don't have one, or won't use it for this.
- People signed in with a school or work Google account. Their administrator often blocks uploads to forms outside the organization, so they see "You need permission" even though they're signed in.
Your options
1. Ask for a link instead of a file
Replace the upload with a Short answer question: "Paste a link to your file (Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive)". It's free and needs no tools, but many people don't know how to make a shareable link, and you'll chase broken permissions.
2. Move to a different form builder
Jotform, Typeform and similar tools accept files without sign-in. You lose your Google Form, its responses sheet and anything built on top of it, and file uploads are usually on their paid plans.
3. Keep the Google Form and add uploads with Formfile
Formfile shows your existing Google Form at its own link and turns the questions you choose into upload buttons. Files go to a folder in your Google Drive, and each response in Google Forms gets a link to its files. The free plan covers 25 files a month; Pro is $8 a month.
Setting it up
- In your Google Form, replace the File upload question with a Short answer question that has the same title.
- Sign in to Formfile with Google and paste your form's link.
- Switch that question on as an upload and choose which file types it accepts.
- Share the Formfile link instead of the Google one.
The full walkthrough, with the two settings to check, is in the setup guide.
Common questions
Do the people filling in my form need anything?
No. No account, no app, no sign-in. It works in any modern browser, including on phones, where they can pick a photo or take one.
Where do the files go?
Into a folder in your Google Drive called "Formfile uploads" followed by your form's name. The response in Google Forms gets a link to each file. Only you (and anyone you share the folder with) can open them.
Can Formfile see the rest of my Google Drive?
No. Formfile asks Google for the drive.file permission, which only covers files Formfile creates. It can't list, open or change anything else in your Drive.
Does my Google Form change?
Only the question you swap from File upload to Short answer. Everything else stays the same, and you keep editing the form in Google Forms. Formfile picks up your edits within a minute.
Which question types work?
All of them: short answer, paragraph, multiple choice, checkboxes, dropdowns, linear scales, ratings, grids, dates, times and sections with "go to section" logic. Forms set to "Limit to 1 response" or to collect verified email addresses require a Google sign-in by design, so turn those settings off.
What happens to files when someone uploads but never submits?
They're deleted from your Drive after 24 hours, so abandoned attempts don't pile up.
Can I put the form on my website?
Yes. Each form has an embed code you can paste into Squarespace, Wix, WordPress or any page that accepts HTML.
What file types are allowed?
You choose per question: any file, images, PDFs, documents, video, audio or ZIP files. Programs and scripts (like .exe or .js files) are always refused.
What if I go over the free limit?
The form stops taking new files until the next month or until you upgrade. Respondents see a clear message. Pro covers 3,000 files a month.
How do I cancel?
From the Plan page in your account. You go back to the free plan at the end of the billing period and your form links keep working.