How to let app users upload multiple pictures and files?

[rabbitsf]

I am new to Appsheet so my question might sound stupid.

My app is to submit Work Orders. I would like to let users upload multiple pictures and files over the form view. It's easy to do uploading single file or picture. But I don't know how to make it work so multiple pictures or files could be uploaded at one time. 

Thanks much in advance!

[p_________a]

I have same case then i create separate table that store images and create reference to work order. When you open Work Order Detail you will see inline of images that related to work order. Maybe you interest with drawing column type, I found it useful because i can add annotation on existing picture or take it from camera, this annotation feature only on mobile apps

[PauloExpert · Accepted solution]

Your question is not stupid at all—it's a common scenario in AppSheet, especially for apps involving data collection like Work Orders. While AppSheet doesn’t natively support uploading multiple files or images in a single field, you can design your app to allow multiple uploads in an intuitive way.

Here’s how you can achieve this:

Approach: Use a Related Table for Attachments

The best way to handle multiple images or files is by creating a child table for attachments. This approach makes your app more flexible and scalable.

Steps:

1. Create a Child Table for Attachments

Add a new table to your data source (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel, etc.) with the following columns:

Attachment ID: A unique identifier for each attachment (use UNIQUEID() in AppSheet).

Work Order ID: A reference column to link the attachment to a specific work order.

Attachment File: A column of type "File" or "Image" to store the uploaded file or image.

Attachment Type (optional): To specify if it’s an image or file.

2. Set Up a Relationship Between Tables

Go to your main Work Orders table and create a column:

Name: Attachments

Type: "Ref" (Reference) and mark it as Is a List.

Source Table: Your newly created attachments table.

This establishes a one-to-many relationship between work orders and attachments.

3. Enable Adding Attachments in the Form View

In your Work Orders table, include the Attachments column in the form.

Ensure the "Attachments" field displays a related table view, allowing users to add multiple attachments.

4. Customize the Attachment Input

In the Attachments table, enable users to upload files or images in the respective field.

Add a form view for attachments so users can add multiple files/images seamlessly.

5. User Workflow:

When submitting a work order, users can:

1. Fill out the main form.

2. Click "Add" or "New Attachment" in the related attachments section.

3. Upload as many files/images as needed.

Alternative: Use Multiple Columns for Uploads

If you prefer not to use a related table, you can add multiple file or image columns directly to your Work Orders table. However, this approach is less flexible and not recommended for apps requiring many uploads. For example:

Add columns like Image 1, Image 2, File 1, File 2.

Set their types to "Image" or "File".

Include these fields in your form view.

Tips:

Storage Location: Ensure your files/images are being stored in a cloud service supported by AppSheet (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.).

Display Attachments: Create a gallery or table view to display uploaded images/files for better user experience.

[rabbitsf]

Wow, these are very detailed steps. I will give it a try. Really appreciate!!!

[AleksiAlkio]

Unfortunately you are not able to do that. You either need to have multiple image columns or a child table for images. If you need to have more than couple of images, I would prefer the Child table solution.

[rabbitsf]

Thanks!