Multiple File Field Type
You can use both File and Multiple File fields when working with files in your Workflow. To support uploading multiple files in a single field on your form or task, use the Multiple File field. There are no restrictions on file type or file extension. To upload single files, you can use the File field type.
After a file is uploaded, click the file in the field to download it. This will download the file to your default directory.
How the Multiple File field type works 
When used in forms, the Multiple File field appears as a standard file field that supports uploading and downloading. But, unlike the single File field, the Multiple File field acts like a table field when building, so most table actions work with the action.
If you use a Multiple File field, you must use intermediate actions, like Table actions, to interact with individual files. For example, if you wish to use the Images: Resize an image action on one file in a Multiple File field, you must use an action like Tables: Look up data in a column to “pick” which file you wish to resize. If you are using just a single File field instead, you can reference the field directly.
There are some common examples of use for how to use a Multiple File field, like using the Tables: Look up data in a column. When using table actions with the field, there are three columns you can reference: ID, Filename, and URL.
✅ Heads-up: The Multiple File field acts like a table when building, but generally should not be edited like a normal table. The three main columns, ID, Filename, and URL should not be edited or manipulated manually or with table actions, as this may interfere with the function of the field. These columns should not be renamed, removed, or set in a different order.
When to use a File field or a Multiple File field.
Here are some differences between the File and Multiple File fields.
File field:
- Only support single files.
- Easier to reference and use in your process as you can reference the field directly.
Multiple file field:
- Support multiple files.
- Act like tables when building, and work with most table actions.
- Require extra steps to reference or use files, because they are tables.
Examples of use
Because Multiple File type fields are tables, you can use them in unique and powerful ways. Here are a few commonly used examples of use for this field type:
Filter for a specific file type
To filter for a specific file type, you can use the Tables: Apply formulas to columns action to parse the Filename field for the file extension.
- Add a Tables: Add a column action to add a new column. Select the multiple file field to add a column to it.
-
As the next step, add a Tables: Apply formulas to columns action. Use the following row formula:
columns['File Extension'] = columns['Filename'].slice((columns['Filename'].lastIndexOf(".") - 1 >>> 0) + 2);. This formula extracts any text after the final., which will always be the extension. Be sure to replacecolumns['File Extension']with the column name you chose in step 1.
This is an example of the new "File Extension" column that these two steps will add. - You can now use an action like Table: Apply filters to filter for a specific file type in the new File Extension column.
Reference a single file from a Multiple file field
You can use the Tables: Look up data in a column action to quickly look up a single file. For example:
- Set the Lookup column name to
Filenameto search by filename. - Set the Search term to
File 2.pngor whatever the file is. - Set the Columns to return to
IDto return the actual file. The output of this action will then be a file field with the file you looked up.
Perform a step for each file in a Multiple file field
You can use the Tables: Start Workflow for Each Row to quickly iterate over each file in the Multiple File field.
Restrict what file types are allowed
You can set the allowed file types by setting a file type entry validation restriction. Enter the allowed file types as a comma separated list.
Get help with a problem or question
If something’s not working as expected, or you’re looking for suggestions, check through the options below.
I edited columns in my Multiple File field and now it does not show up in forms
The Multiple File field acts like a table when building, but generally should not be edited like a normal table. The three main columns, ID, Filename, and URL should not be edited or manipulated manually or with table actions, as this may interfere with the function of the field. These columns should not be renamed, removed, or set in a different order.
Non-destructive table actions like Tables: Look up data in a column or Tables: Start Workflow for Each Row are designed to work well with Multiple File fields. While some actions like, Tables: Remove a Column, can cause problems.
Example of supported actions:
- Tables: Look up data in a column
- Tables: Start Workflow for Each Row
- Tables: Get unique rows
- Tables: Apply Filters
- Tables: Count Rows in a table
Example of potentially unsupported actions:
💡 Tip: To make sure your Multiple File field works as intended, be sure not to rename, remove, or rearrange the ID, Filename, or URL columns.
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