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Configuring a File Upload Question

A File Upload question allows users to upload supporting documents as part of their submission. This question type is commonly used for resumes, transcripts, project documents, financial statements, and other required attachments.

Adding a File Upload Question

  1. Navigate to the desired section of your form.

  2. Select Add Question.

  3. Select File Upload from the Question Type dropdown.

  4. Configure the available settings.

  5. Select Save.

Configuration Options

Question Text

The question or prompt displayed to users.

Example:

  • Please upload your resume.

  • Upload your most recent transcript.

  • Attach your project proposal.

Best Practice: Clearly indicate what document should be uploaded and any specific requirements.

File Label

The label displayed on the upload button or upload area.

Example Labels:

  • Resume

  • Transcript

  • Supporting Document

  • Project Proposal

Tip: Use a descriptive label so users can easily identify the file being requested.

Choose Valid File Type

Determines which file formats users are permitted to upload.

Available file types include:

File Type

Common Uses

PDF

Resumes, transcripts, reports, certificates

DOCX & DOC

Essays, letters, proposals

TXT

Plain text documents

XLSX & XLS

Budgets, financial reports, spreadsheets

Important: Users will only be able to upload files that match the selected file type(s).

Best Practice: Limit accepted file types whenever possible to ensure consistency and simplify document review.

Mandatory Field

Determines whether users must upload a file before submitting.

Enabled

  • Users must upload a file.

Disabled

  • Users may submit without uploading a file.

Required for Draft Submission

Determines whether users must upload a file before saving a submission as a draft.

Enabled

  • Users cannot save a draft without uploading a file.

Disabled

  • Users can save a draft and return later.

Note: This setting is typically not recommended for large supporting documents that users may need additional time to prepare.

Required Field Message

The message displayed when a user attempts to submit without uploading a required file.

Example Messages:

  • Please upload a document in xyz format.

  • A file in xyz format is required before continuing.

  • Resume upload is required for submission in xyz format.

Help Hover Text

Additional instructions displayed when users hover over the help icon.

Example Uses:

  • Upload a PDF version of your resume.

  • Files must be submitted in PDF format.

  • Ensure all pages are included in a single document.

Best Practice: Use Help Hover Text to communicate formatting requirements, document expectations, or upload instructions.

Hide Question From Reviewers

Determines whether reviewers can view the uploaded file.

Enabled

  • The question and uploaded file are hidden from reviewers.

Disabled

  • Reviewers can view and access the uploaded file.

Common Uses:

  • Internal administrative documents

  • Workflow-related attachments

  • Supporting files not intended for evaluation

Hide Question From Submitters

Determines whether submitters can view the question.

Enabled

  • The question is hidden from submitters.

  • The question can still be viewed and completed by administrators, if applicable.

Disabled

  • The question is visible to submitters.

Important: When using an E-Reference question type, this setting must be enabled. E-Reference questions are intended to be completed by reference providers and should not be visible to applicants.

Common Uses:

  • E-Reference questions

  • Internal administrator-only fields

  • Workflow tracking information

  • Administrative documents

Common Use Cases

File Upload questions are commonly used for:

  • Resumes or CVs

  • Academic Transcripts

  • Project Proposals

  • Financial Statements

  • Letters of Support

  • Research Papers

  • Certifications

  • Budget Documents

Best Practices

  • Clearly state what document should be uploaded within the Question Text.

  • Use descriptive File Labels so users know exactly what file is being requested.

  • Restrict file types to only those that are necessary.

  • Use PDF as the preferred format whenever possible to ensure consistency across submissions.

  • Include upload requirements in the Help Hover Text, such as accepted formats, naming conventions, or document expectations.

  • Verify that reviewers require access to the uploaded file before making it visible during the review process.