> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/troubleshooting/file-storage.md).

# Uploaded files and storage

Find files your visitors upload, control who can open them, and manage your storage.

## 🔎 Where to find uploaded files

* **Submissions** > open a submission. Files appear as links (images show a preview).

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-be8753b307b8455092b37b5e7e50bacfb6f763c4%2F2026-09-28_18-40-44.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Admin notification email**. Files are sent as **links**, not attachments.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-c6aad705fc616cd528d11de49c2c354e6e5acb57%2F2026-09-28_18-43-59.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Export**. File links appear as clickable cells.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-18ce103a9ec7bf28f7c19200f8f26af741dbe1af%2F2026-09-28_18-45-48.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Deleting a submission or form **permanently deletes its files**, including the copy in Google Drive and export file. **Download** any files you need to keep before deleting.<br>
{% endhint %}

## 🔐 Who can open a file

Set this on each **File Upload** field under **Access policy**.

<table><thead><tr><th width="164.36663818359375">Setting</th><th>Who can open it</th><th>Use for</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Public</strong> (default)</td><td>Anyone with the link</td><td>Photos, artwork, general attachments</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Private</strong></td><td>App admin only</td><td>IDs, documents, anything confidential</td></tr></tbody></table>

> 💡 Sensitive files? Switch to **Private before the form goes live**. It applies only to files uploaded afterward.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-b5441f82d84646a0e33091770970f3bf5be81309%2F2026-09-28_18-48-36.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 📊 Check your storage

Open the app **Dashboard** > **Storage** (Used / Available).

**When storage runs out:**

* ❌ New files are not saved. Links show `[OUT OF STORAGE]`.
* ✅ Submissions still come in.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7e66a6c2c393b4b60b2018a9c94c4a35bcfdeee0%2F2026-09-28_18-49-15.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The form looks fine, but attachments are lost. Check your storage regularly.
{% endhint %}

## 🚨 Storage full? Two ways to fix it

This applies to forms with a **File Upload** field.

### **Option 1: Upgrade your plan**

More storage, no data lost.

Open the app > **Pricing Plans** > compare plans and upgrade.

> 💬 **Already on the highest plan?** Contact us at <support@powerfulform.com> and we'll help set up a custom plan with more storage.

### **Option 2: Delete submissions you no longer need**

Frees up space right away.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-52119af79b7738bf492dd7607cd5684462815516%2Fimage%20(35).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Deleting a submission permanently deletes its files.** This includes files in exported links and the copy in Google Drive. Download anything you need first.
{% endhint %}

Steps: [Delete submissions](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/public-api/submissions/delete-submissions)

## ☁️ Copy files to your Google Drive

Each new file is also saved to your Drive automatically. Requires a higher plan.

<figure><img src="https://2907469752-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FehM2rz7MmKkWcJmgvJOe%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e2a2d76b89994f30282442138480c161cd7c5163%2Fimage%20(34).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Learn more: [Google Drive Integration](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/integrations/google#google-drive-integration)

{% hint style="info" %}
Deleting a submission or form **permanently deletes its files**, including the copy in Google Drive and export file. **Download** any files you need to keep before deleting.<br>
{% endhint %}

## ❓ FAQs

#### A visitor's file was rejected. Why?

* File type not in **Allowed extensions**
* File is larger than the **File size limit**

#### Can I bulk download all files at once?

You still need to manually check each submission in the app and saves the files.