Google Drive is great for storing and sharing files, but when it comes to requesting files—especially from people outside your organization—it falls short. There’s no built-in file request feature like Dropbox has. But with the help of tools like FileDrop File Forms, you can seamlessly request and collect files directly into your Google Drive.
Why You Can’t Natively Request Files in Google Drive
By default, Google Drive doesn’t let you create a form or folder where people can simply drop files—especially if they don’t have a Google account. With Google Forms users must be logged in with a Google account to upload files. FileDrop File Forms is a great Google Forms alternative and anyone can upload files to your Google Drive, without an account.
An alternative is to share a folder and ask people to upload, but that requires them to log in and be granted editing access, which:
- Is a security risk (they can delete files)
- Doesn’t scale well (you have to manually invite each person)
- Doesn’t work well with people outside your organization
That’s where FileDrop’s File Forms come in.
What Are FileDrop File Forms?
FileDrop File Forms is a tool that lets you request and collect and request files in Google Drive from anyone, without them needing a Google account. It works by creating secure, customizable file request forms that upload files directly into your Google Drive. It’s perfect for:
- Collecting resumes or job applications
- Gathering documents from clients
- Receiving homework from students
- Requesting signed contracts, ID scans, or intake forms
How To Request Files Using FileDrop File Forms
Here’s a step-by-step guide to request files in Google Drive with FileDrop:
Step 1: Sign up for FileDrop
Visit app.getfiledrop.com/register and click “Add New Form” button. You can create as many forms as you need.
Step 2: Connect Your Google Drive
Fill in all the form Details and enable the Google Drive Integration. You’ll be prompted to sign in with your Google account and allow FileDrop to access your Drive.
This lets FileDrop save uploaded files directly into your Google Drive. FileDrop will create subfolders for files submitted by your users.
Step 3: Customize Your File Request Form
You can customize the form to fit your needs:
- Set form fields (like name, email, message)
- Restrict file types (e.g., PDFs only)
- Add your logo, description, or instructions
- Enable email notifications for new uploads
Once your form is ready, you’ll get a unique link. Share it via email, your website, or embed it in a portal. Anyone with the link can upload files—even without a Google account.
Step 5: Send a File Request to Your Users
Once the form is live you can use the File Invite feature that allows you to send file upload requests to your users or clients.
This will send an email invite to your users and you can track each invite or even resend it when need it.
Export to Google Sheets
Press the export to Google Sheets button and all the submissions are added automatically there. This will create a unique Google Sheet where you will find the form submissions.
The data is added automatically to the sheet, you can use this for automation or different workflows.
Features You’ll Love
- Secure Uploads: Only you can see uploaded files.
- Unlimited Forms: Create forms for all your customers easily and keep the files organized.
- Large File Support: Accept files up to 1 GB.
- Email Alerts: Get notified for each new upload.
- Form Responses: View a summary in the web app or in your Google Sheet. Submissions are automatically added to the Google Sheet created for the form.
Final Thoughts
Google Drive by itself doesn’t make file collection easy—but with FileDrop, you can turn any Google Drive folder into a professional and secure file request system. Whether you’re a freelancer, teacher, HR manager, or small business owner, it’s the missing link to collect documents efficiently, without headaches.
Bonus tip: Files uploaded in Drive with the File Forms can be inserted in Google Sheets using the FileDrop add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How do I set up a file request form with FileDrop?
Here’s a quick setup guide:
Create an account at app.getfiledrop.com/register
Click “Add New Form”
Connect your Google Drive when prompted
Customize your form with fields, file types, branding, and notifications
Share your file request link with anyone via email, website, or portal
Optionally, use the File Invite feature to email upload requests and track them
❓ Can I control what types of files are uploaded?
Yes. FileDrop allows you to restrict file types (e.g., PDFs only), set size limits (up to 1 GB), and even require additional form fields like name, email, or notes.
❓ Are the uploads secure?
Absolutely. Only you (the form owner) can access uploaded files. Each submission is stored in a secure subfolder in your Google Drive, and you can enable email notifications for every new upload.
❓ Do I need to pay to use FileDrop?
FileDrop offers a range of plans, including free and premium tiers. The free version includes basic file request functionality, while paid plans unlock features like file type restrictions, branding, and email invites.
❓ Can I create more than one form?
Yes. You can create unlimited file request forms—one for each client, department, or use case. Each form can save files into a different Drive folder for better organization.
❓ Can I track who submitted files?
Yes. FileDrop tracks form responses and file uploads in its web dashboard and also via the Google Sheets integration, submissions are automatically added to the set Google Sheet. If you use the File Invite feature, you can see whether a recipient submitted files, and even resend the request if needed.
❓ Is there a file size limit?
Yes. FileDrop supports uploads up to 1 GB per file, which is more than enough for most use cases like documents, PDFs, images, and short videos.
