Did you know that file sharing is one of the most valuable tools to apply to your WordPress forms? Perhaps you’re gathering event RSVPs or accepting resumés for a new role. Receiving files and documents via email is clunky and outdated, and it often leaves room for confusion if the sender fails to give you additional context. Adding file upload fields to your forms is a superior strategy.
Ninja Forms makes it easy to do just that. Our file-sharing plugins for WordPress enable several essential use cases for document collection and management, including:
- File uploading from forms
- Setting upload restrictions (size, type, etc.)
- Exporting documents to cloud-based services (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- Attaching files to email notifications
- And more!
Ninja Forms offers five incredible file-sharing plugins. Read on to learn more about each.
Ninja Forms’ 5 File-Sharing Plugins for WordPress
Our file-sharing add-ons are easy to install and use, enhancing workflow like you wouldn’t believe. Each of the below extensions accomplishes a unique purpose — one may be enough for you, or you might like to install several in tandem.
To get started, you’ll need:
- The Ninja Forms core plugin (free to download)
- The document-sharing add-on(s) of your choice (included in some of our Ninja Forms memberships or available for individual purchase)
Now, let’s review our file-sharing plugins, including their uses and benefits.
File Uploads
Accepting file submissions through your WordPress forms has never been easier than with our File Uploads add-on. Among the most popular of our plugins, File Uploads allows you to add file upload fields to any form. By doing so, you can accept resumés, event registrations, liability waivers, preference sheets, and more in various file types (PDF, jpeg, docx, etc.).
But this plugin doesn’t stop there. It also helps you manage the types of documents you’ll accept and where they go once a user hits “upload.” You have the power to restrict file types (Ninja Forms doesn’t limit any file types — it’s entirely up to you!), organize documents in your WordPress directory, transmit uploads to cloud storage, rename files upon upload, and more. You can even attach uploads to emails — and get those resumés directly to HR!
This can all be done automatically by toggling a few settings; our tutorial walks you through each step. It also explores an essential topic: maintaining security during file uploads. Be sure to read it after installing the File Uploads add-on.
Excel Export
Filing sharing isn’t just about receiving documents from your clients and customers. It can also improve your workflow by exporting form submission data to Microsoft Excel. Our Excel Export add-on is a much better solution than your standard CSV exports, which can be challenging to open and are often riddled with errors. And forget about manual data entry — a time-consuming and unnecessary endeavor.
Excel Export allows you to assign certain form fields to the desired cell, row, or column in a .xlsx or .xls spreadsheet. You have total control, able to set the form submission date range, exempt unnecessary form fields, choose your file type and more.
Imagine the possibilities: easily create annual reports, gather contact info, compile sales data, and more. Learn more about this helpful add-on by reading our step-by-step tutorial.
PDF Form Submissions
When saving form submissions for your records or sharing them with clients, it’s essential to do so in a professional, clean, and organized way. Transforming forms into PDF documents is your best bet, and that’s precisely what our PDF Form Submissions extension accomplishes.
Not only can you instantly convert Ninja Forms submissions into PDFs, but you can also customize the document’s header, footer, body, and more. This add-on also gives you the power to rename submissions for easy organization (use the sender’s name, the date of submission, or whatever makes sense for your process).
Like any other feature of Ninja Forms, PDF Form Submissions is user-friendly and requires no coding skills. This article walks you through each simple step.
Scheduled Submissions Export
You gather valuable, possibly sensitive, data from your web forms, but handling that information can be time-consuming, especially if you’re managing multiple sites for a client. Who has enough hours in the day to check WordPress for new submissions manually? With our Scheduled Submissions Export add-on, you don’t have to.
This plugin automates your workflow through scheduled reports. Think of these reports as daily, weekly, or monthly “digests” of your form exports — you can even receive them hourly if you prefer! Whether you need the report or want to send it to your client, choosing your schedule, recipient, and the forms included in the summary is fast and straightforward.
Scheduled Submissions Export also includes a convenient export dashboard, allowing you to see which forms are being submitted, when, and who they’re going to. Learn how to streamline your work with submission management here.
Google Sheets via Zapier
Google Workspace is a popular alternative to Microsoft 365. Google’s products are free and cloud-based so that you can access them anywhere, anytime. If you prefer Google Sheets to Excel, have no fear: you can export form submissions to Sheets by creating a “zap” via Zapier.
Zapier is a powerful tool that integrates different digital platforms, simplifying your work and eliminating manual steps. (Note that this is the only file-sharing solution on this list that requires a Zapier connection. Ninja Forms offers native/direct integrations with the other plugins shared above.)
Like with Excel, you can assign different form fields to specific cells in Google Sheets. This tutorial explores the entire process, from creating a “zap” between Ninja Forms and Google Sheets to customizing your exports.
Work Smarter With File-Sharing Plugins for WordPress
File-sharing plugins for WordPress shouldn’t add to your workload. Streamline how you receive and share submissions, track new data, and more — it’s all possible with our file-sharing add-ons. Integrating them into your forms is fast, simple, and beginner-friendly.
Take your document collection and management to new heights with one — or all! — of the above Ninja Forms add-ons.
