New File Upload Feature in Squarespace: A Game Changer!

1 Jul

Today, I'm delighted to announce a new — albeit small — feature in Squarespace that I've eagerly awaited for years.

This update ensures that we no longer need third-party software to achieve what should be straightforward in 2024. Squarespace, you arrived late for the party, but it was better late than never.

Let's explore the new simple file upload option we can incorporate into our forms on Squarespace. Though a small change, it makes a significant difference.

Why This Matters

The ability to add file uploads to forms opens up new functionalities. For instance, we can now use recruitment forms on our websites, allowing applicants to upload their résumés directly. Similarly, if you're providing consultancy services, clients can share relevant documents and files to facilitate overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Getting Started

In this tutorial, I will guide you through each step of adding this feature to your Squarespace forms. We will also explore how to style our inquiry forms using the fluid engine to make them stand out. I've included details in the description if you'd like to join a new community that addresses these types of issues and keeps you updated with the latest in website builders like Squarespace and others.

Tools You Need

For today’s tutorial, I will use SquareForge, our premium Squarespace template builder crafted in-house. We use this tool for every Squarespace project. This is not a hard sell, but click here if you want more info. Now, let’s begin our form-building journey.

Creating Your Form

I could use one of the saved templates in SquareForge. Here’s a general contact form that has been adapted for recruitment. However, let's create a new form from scratch.

Adding the Form: Click the add block button, select 'Form,' and position it as needed. For example, you could include a placeholder text introduction about the recruitment process.
Spacing: Sometimes, adding a new form results in extra spacing below. Adjust the spacing to make your form tidy.
Styling: Change the background color to make sections distinct. For instance, use a dark grey backdrop. Add a shape behind or edit the form directly via the pencil option for new design choices. A white outline can make the form stand out.

Customizing the Form Fields

By default, the form includes fields like first name, last name, email, and message. Let's customize these:

Edit/Delete Fields: Click to edit or delete any field. Use the appropriate options to add new fields.
Dropdown Menu: Use a dropdown menu instead of text fields for job roles. Customize the options as required.
Elevator Pitch: Get creative by adding an elevator pitch field. You can arrange the form by clicking and dragging fields to their desired positions.
File Upload: Add the file upload option, making it a required field. You can allow up to three files for more comprehensive submissions.

Final Touches

Design Tweaks: Double-click the form to tweak the design. Ensure the Google reCAPTCHA is enabled to prevent spam.
Storage Settings: Update the email notification settings so the form submissions reach the right inbox. Test this feature to ensure it works correctly. Optionally, link to Google Drive to store documents and Google Sheets to capture form data.

Mobile Optimization

Before wrapping up, ensure that the form looks good on mobile devices. Check the spacing between blocks and adjust as necessary.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it; your form is now enhanced with a file upload feature. This long-overdue update from Squarespace indeed makes a substantial difference. I hope you find this tutorial helpful.

If you have ideas about the content I should create next, leave a message or join our budding community. Information about joining is in the description. I look forward to your feedback and hope to meet you in our community soon.

Cheers,

Elwyn