How to collect files from people without a Google account
Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are linked inline; we cite Google's own help pages where possible.
People without a Google account can fill in most Google Forms, but they can't answer a File upload question. Google's help for respondents says: “To complete the upload in response to a question, you need to sign in to your Google Account” (Google). So the fix is to move the file step out of the File upload question.
Option 1: Ask them to create a Google account
It works, but many clients, applicants and parents won't do it, and work emails that aren't Google accounts get rejected at upload time.
Option 2: Short-answer question asking for a share link
Free and simple: ask for a Dropbox, OneDrive, WeTransfer or Drive link and validate it as a URL. You'll download each file manually, and links often arrive set to private.
Option 3: Email
Add “email your file to…” in the form description. Free, but files end up scattered across inbox threads and must be matched to responses by hand.
Option 4: A no-login upload link that saves into your Drive
Use a dedicated upload page that needs no account. Add it to the form description (“Upload your documents here”) and ask for the same name or email in both places so you can match files to responses. Services in this category include Formfacade, DriveUploader, File Request Pro, EZ File Drop and CatchFolder.
Which to choose
| Option | Uploaders need Google account? | Files land in your Drive? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Forms File upload question | Yes (Google) | Yes | Free |
| Ask for a shared link instead (Drive/Dropbox/WeTransfer link as a short-answer) | No | No: you download each one | Free |
| Email attachments | No | No: manual sorting | Free |
| Formfacade upload add-on | No | Yes (synced) | From $28/month (pricing) |
| DriveUploader / File Request Pro / EZ File Drop | No | Yes | Free tier to $19+/month (DriveUploader, File Request Pro) |
| Another form builder (Tally, Jotform) | No | Via integration | Free tiers; Jotform paid from $34/month |
| CatchFolder (early access) | No | Yes, directly | $12 per 30-day event, or $59/year |
Tip: match uploads to form responses
Whatever you choose, ask for one identifier (email or applicant number) in both the form and the upload page. CatchFolder writes it into a Google Sheet next to each file, so you can join the two sheets with a simple lookup.
FAQ
Can someone without a Google account submit a Google Form?
Yes, as long as the form has no File upload question and no other setting requiring sign-in (like 'Limit to 1 response' or restricting it to your organization).
Why does my form ask non-Google users to sign in?
The most common reason is a File upload question. Google requires a Google Account to answer it (source: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/15473134?hl=en). Other causes: 'Limit to 1 response', verified email collection, or restricting responses to your organization.
Can I collect files into my Drive from non-Google users for free?
Partly: ask for a share link, or use a free tier of a third-party uploader. A dedicated paid tool saves the manual downloading.
Related guides
- Google Form file upload without sign-in: what works
- Google Drive file request link: let others upload to your Drive
- "This form cannot be embedded": Google Forms with file upload
- How to collect files from anyone without a Google account (2026 comparison)
- Google Forms "Server rejected" upload error: causes and fixes
- How to let someone upload to your Google Drive (without edit access)
- Google Forms file upload for non-Gmail users
- File upload greyed out in Google Forms: causes and fixes