Not all form builders allow you to enable forms to accept file uploads. Fortunately for you, you’ve landed on EmailMeForm. We are a PCI-certified, safe form provider who permits you to allow image uploads, accept documents online, and more!
Your site users love this feature. Why? It makes their life easier. Let’s look at this together
An illustration of when and why you should enable form uploads
Here’s a scenario to imagine. You’re a small private trade school, and you have a registration form on your website. To finalize a new student’s enrollment documents, you need them to provide a copy of their transcripts from their previous institution.
If your current form provider doesn’t allow you to enable file uploading, then the student must complete the registration form. Then they must toggle over to email and send that data as a second step.
But, what if the student gets distracted by an interruption—like a text message from a friend? They move on to something they’d rather do than emailing your school, forgetting to go back and complete the task of emailing the transcript.
On your end, this becomes a drain on productivity. For now, you must email the student (or parent) a reminder and wait for that missing document to arrive. Additionally, it slows down your cash flow as you must hold off on sending out an invoice until the student completes the enrollment process.
Wouldn’t it be excellent to gather all that information at once? Better experience for the student and more productivity for your staff.
What types of forms are appropriate for accepting uploaded data?
So now the wheels are turning. You’re wondering if you can take advantage of this feature in your forms.
That depends on if you need to collect documentation or evidence from the form user.
Some online forms which often contain this capability (and some example of how our clients are utilizing the feature) are:
- Employment application forms (with photo ID uploaded securely)
- Registration forms (when you need supporting documentation like in our example)
- Customer service contact forms (enable image uploads so customers can send photos if they experience shipping damage)
- Reservation forms (attach a passport for booking international travel)
- Photo contest forms (allow users to upload images of “cutest babies” or “best pets.”
- Print-on-demand order forms (allow users to upload a shirt design or their pictures)
Does your form builder provide form security for uploaded files?
When you are asking users to complete a form, you are asking them to entrust you with their personal data.
Knowing whether your form builder is secure is vital. You may be asking users to upload documents that include extremely sensitive data:
- Passport data
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Student identification numbers
Sadly, you’re not the only party who is interested in the user’s data. Nefarious types out there in cyberspace—phishers, hackers, and data thieves—would all love to get their sticky fingers on your customer’s most personal information.
Is your form provider PCI-certified?
Be sure that your form provider is PCI-certified. This certification means that your form builder exceeds rigorous standards.
Fortunately, EmailMeForm makes it easy for you. We are PCI-certified.
To us, data security is priority numero uno.
Whether you are collecting card data on payment forms or need to manage attachments that contain personal data, we have you covered on security.
Want to make sure you offer the utmost protection of the data you’ve collected? Learn more about the EmailMeForm Vault—the safest place to store credit card information.
Only once you have confirmed that your form builder is PCI-certified, protecting you and your customers, should you begin to accept file uploads or collect customer data.
How to allow users to upload files to your forms
You’ll be delighted at how simple it is to add file upload functionality to your form.
And, not only can you accept those files, but you can also set the file output you wish to receive: pdf, jpg, doc, and many others. Don’t worry; we’ll show you how.
1 - Log in to EmailMeForm and Find the Form in Form Manager
Once you log into your EmailMeForm account, you’ll land in the form manager. This location serves as your hub. From here, you can access all your resources.
2 - Select the Form You Want to Modify
Next, select the form you wish to edit. Click on the blue “EDIT” button to launch into form builder.
3 - Add Field: File Upload
Now it’s time to have fun with your form. From the green “advanced” section, pick the “file upload” option. It will populate towards the bottom of your form. Drag it around if you want to position it further up—you are in control!
4 - Change Field Settings
Next, you can change the field settings. Customize such things as:
- Make the field mandatory
- Create a field label
- Indicate which file outputs you want to accept (upload images, documents, etc.)
- Set upload size limits if you wish to do so
Once you are pleased with the selections you’ve made, click the “Save Form” icon at the bottom of the screen. Choose the option to go back to your File Manager and preview your form.
If you decide you need to make further customizations, hop back into the form and tweak it until you are satisfied completely with the outcome.
Here’s a video demonstrating how to enable file uploads
Here’s a brief video that demonstrates how easy it is to enable file uploads in your EmailMeForm.
Enjoy your newfound productivity
Now that you know how to allow file uploads in your form, we are confident you’ll see a boost in your productivity. Whether you are asking users to upload images to a form for collecting email data in a contest form or require them to send other sensitive data, you will spend less time gathering those documents.
Moreover, you’ll be doing so securely and safely with EmailMeForm.
Deborah Tayloe
Deborah is a blogger and freelancer who often writes for EmailMeForm. When she’s not blogging, you’ll probably find Deborah working on DIY projects around her home in North Carolina.
