File upload

Note: feature available to users with Expert user license

Give respondents a simple way to attach a photo, screenshot, or a document directly inside the survey. This article explains when and how to use the File upload question, how to add and configure it in Survalyzer, what respondents experience, and how to work with the uploaded files afterwards.

File upload question type use cases

Typical uses:

• Ask consumers to snap a product photo at home or in-store.
• Let users attach images and screenshots when reporting an issue.
• Collect signed PDFs or forms for internal processes.

Key information:

• One file per question (multiple questions can be added if more files needed).
• Max single file size: 10 MB.
• Allowed types:
  • Media: .png, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .mp3, .mp4
  • Documents: .txt, .csv, .xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .ics, .pdf

How to add and configure file upload question

Go to Build survey → Add content → Methods → File upload.

In the question sidebar settings, it is possible to select file types allowed: choose Media and/or Documents.

Respondents survey view

File selection

Respondent experience will differ depending whether survey is answered using mobile or desktop device.

On desktop it is possible to drag & drop file to upload, or click to use standard file explorer. Only allowed file types will be visible in the explorer.

• direct camera capture
• select from the gallery / file manager

After file is selected

• Respondents see upload progress, after which they can replace or delete the file before continuing.
• If a respondent chooses an unsupported type or a file over 10 MB, they see a clear validation message.
• Virus scanning runs during upload, blocking potentially harmful files. If harmful file is detected, validation message is shown.
• Keyboard accessibility is supported.

How to analyze and export uploaded files

Batch files export

Option 1. From “Download Raw Data” view

• If a survey contains at least one File upload question, the Export raw data view will show an extra option: ZIP uploaded files.
• It is possible to apply Interview state or Completion date filters first; only files from the filtered interviews will be included in the zip file.

Option 2. From “Edit Raw Data” view (more filtering options available)

• The Edit raw data view adds a “Download files uploaded by respondents” icon when file upload question present.
• Click it to trigger ZIP export.
• Here it is possible to flexibly define any desired filter before downloading zip folder, using our standard filter control.

Note: For ≤100 interviews, the download starts normally. For >100 interviews, Survalyzer will generate a download link and send it by email once ready.

Individual files export

Option 1: From standard survey raw data view

Option 2: From files & media library

• Workspace → Uploads From Respondents
• Inside there is one subfolder per survey (visible when at least one file is alredy present).
• File naming convention: InterviewID_QuestionVariable_UploadedFileName.ext
• Files can be downloaded or deleted there. (Creating subfolders or renaming is restricted)

Note: the files are stored in the individual Workspace folders, referencing the Workspace name. Therefore, the renaming of the Workspace leads to the disappearance of previously saved files.

Option 3: From automated reports

• Individual download links are also present whenever one of available automated reports is generated for this question type.

Data deletion logic

Files uploaded through file upload question type behave according to the following logic:

• If an interview is manually deleted in any way (logical deletion), files will stay in files & media library until data retention period set in the account passes.
• When data retention period passes, both interview and related file will be permanently deleted (physical deletion).
• When file is manually deleted directly from files & media library, it is physically deleted and cannot be restored. Links pointing to this file will stop working.
• Test-mode uploads are cleared on survey activation alongside test data.

Relation to other features

• In survey, using a text placeholder like {{q1}} returns the download link to the uploaded file once available. Same link is also present in interview PDF export.
• Raw data import: create new interviews. In this scenario, link values can be imported to file upload variable.
• Raw data import: update existing interviews. In this scenario, file upload variables are ignored to prevent accidental link overwrites.

Limitations

• PPT report export format does not support this question type. Use other report export formats if needed.
• When using survey json package export and then create new survey from survey json package, then raw data uploaded files will not be included in the new survey, download links will not work. Files need to be manually copied from the source to target survey subfolder in files & media library. Links in raw data will then work automatically.

FAQ

Is there a storage limit for account / workspace / survey?
Currently there are no storage limits. Fair use policy is applicable.

Can I restrict uploads to only images (no documents)?
Yes. In File types allowed, keep only Media selected. At least one group must remain selected.

Can respondents replace or remove a file before moving on?
Yes. They can replace or delete and return to the initial state

Are files virus-scanned?
Yes. Potentially harmful files are blocked during upload.

Where do I find all files for a project?
Use download raw data → ZIP uploaded files (with filters if needed) or browse the workspace Uploads From Respondents folder in files and media library.

What happens if I delete interviews?
Logical deletion keeps files; physical deletion after the retention period removes them.

What happens if I delete file in file & media library?
File will be physically deleted without possibility to restore. Links leading to this file will stop working.