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File and media fields
Use these fields to collect files or photos from respondents, or to display pictures and videos in a form. Media and file uploads can carry sensitive information, so configure them deliberately and test them on the devices your respondents use.
Follow the task guides for an end-to-end setup:
File Upload
Use File Upload when respondents need to attach files to their submission.
Settings
| Setting | What it does | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Allow file types | Limits uploads to Any file type, Pictures, Documents, Video, Audio, Archive, or Text. | Choose the narrowest category that meets the requirement. This reduces irrelevant and risky uploads. |
| Protect with password | Requires the uploader to create a password for the uploaded file. | Use when the file needs an extra access safeguard, but provide a clear user-support process for lost passwords. |
| Protect with password settings | Customizes the password prompt and the protected-file download page text. | Keep the wording clear, accurate, and consistent with your support and privacy policies. |
| Required Field | Requires at least one attachment before submission. | Use only when an attachment is genuinely needed to process the request. |
Practical guidance
- Tell respondents exactly what to upload and which file type is expected.
- Do not request identity documents, medical data, or financial information unless the collection, retention, and access process is approved.
- Test an allowed file and a disallowed file in Preview before publishing.
- If password protection is enabled, test the entire upload and download journey, including the custom wording.
Picture
Use Picture to display an image in the form. It is for visual content, not for respondent uploads.
| Setting | What it does | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Alternate text | Provides text shown while the picture loads and supports a more understandable experience when the image cannot be seen. | Describe the information or purpose of the image, not merely image or the filename. |
| On click, open URL | Makes the picture a link to an HTTP or HTTPS address. | Use only trusted destinations and make the linked outcome clear in nearby text. |
| Open URL frame | Opens the linked page in the same frame, a blank/new frame, or the parent frame. | A new frame is usually safer when the respondent should keep their place in the form. |
Avoid putting essential instructions only in an image. Important information should also exist as text in the form.
Video
Use Video to display a video, including a configured YouTube video.
| Setting | What it does | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Video source | Selects or references the video shown in the form. | Use a stable, approved source and verify it plays in the environments your respondents use. |
| Auto play on load | Starts playback when the form loads. | Usually leave off. Autoplay can distract users, consume data, and be inaccessible or blocked by browsers. |
| Restart on end (loop) | Replays the video after it finishes. | Use only for short background or instructional loops that do not hide a required action. |
Provide nearby text summarizing essential video instructions. Do not make form completion depend on audio-only information.
Photo Camera
Use Photo Camera when the respondent should capture a photo from a device camera while completing the form.
| Setting | What it does | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Chooses Low, Medium, or High image resolution. | Use the lowest resolution that still meets the business need; larger images take longer to upload. |
| Facing mode | Chooses the user-facing or environment-facing camera on mobile devices. | User-facing is appropriate for a selfie; environment-facing is normally right for documents, equipment, or a scene. |
| Placeholder | Sets the prompt shown before a photo is captured. | Make the requested photo unambiguous: Take a photo of the damaged label. |
| Required Field | Requires a photo before submission. | Use only when the photo is necessary and the respondent can reasonably capture it. |
Camera permissions are controlled by the respondent’s browser or device. Test the fallback experience when permission is denied or no camera is available.
Test checklist
- [ ] Only needed file types are accepted.
- [ ] The upload requirement, allowed content, and privacy expectations are explained.
- [ ] Images have useful alternate text.
- [ ] Linked pictures go to the intended secure destination.
- [ ] Video does not autoplay or loop unless that behavior is intentional and tested.
- [ ] Camera capture works on at least one target mobile device and has a clear permission-denied fallback.