Media fields allow you to either capture or upload a media file as response. There are five types of media that you can add to your form:
Note: This article covers the Media field types. For a full list of available field types, see here. If you want to embed a media file as part of the question text (as opposed to capturing media as response), our article on embedding media into your form has step by step instructions and more information.
Hint: To see what these fields will look like to the fieldworker on their handset, make use of the 'Preview' button on the far right in your top toolbar.
Image field
This field is used to capture or upload pictures or images. When entering a response, the fieldworker will have a choice between using the handset's native app to capture a new image or to upload an existing image from their handset. You will be able to view or download the image files submitted by the fieldworkers from the Grid on the Analyse page in the console.
When capturing/uploading an image, you can choose from any installed camera app. Additional apps, such as Camera MX for example, are available to download from the Play Store and can be used to manage quality, size and other settings.
Note: There is a 50MB size limit on the files that can be captured or uploaded.
Audio field
This field is used to capture or upload audio files. When entering a response, the fieldworker will have a choice between using the handset's native app to capture a new audio clip, or to upload an existing audio clip from their handset. You will be able to open or download the audio files submitted by the fieldworkers from the Grid on the Analyse page in the console.
Note: There is a 50MB size limit on the files that can be captured or uploaded.
Video field
This field is used to capture or upload video files. When entering a response, the fieldworker will have a choice between using the handset's native app to capture a new video clip, or to upload an existing video clip from their handset. You will be able to open or download the video files submitted by the fieldworkers from the Grid on the Analyse page in the console.
Note: There is a 50MB size limit on the files that can be captured or uploaded.
Signature field
This field is used to capture a signature into a form. When entering a response, the person can sign directly onto the screen of the device using his/her finger or a stylus (1). The signature can be cleared if a mistake was made (2) so that the person can sign again. You will be able to open or download (as an image file) the signature submitted by the fieldworkers from the Grid on the Analyse page in the console.
Note: If you open a signature file and it seems as if you cannot see anything, try using a different browser. Some browsers' default background colour is black, and therefore the black signature is not clearly visible. Alternatively, you can download the signature as an image file and then view it, or view the individual submission as a whole.
Document field
This field is used to upload documents and is available on all paid plans. When entering a response, you will need to upload a document. Files can be viewed and downloaded from the Grid on the Analyse page in the console.
Note: There is a 50MB size limit on the files that can be uploaded.
Viewing and exporting media files
If your form included media fields, you can view or download the files submitted by the fieldworkers from the Grid on the Analyse tab on the console by clicking on the icon of the file you want to access.
A 'clock' icon with the word 'Processing' (1) means that the media files are still being uploaded to the console and cannot be viewed at this stage. After some time this should change to the corresponding icon: 'image' icon for photos and signatures, a 'play' icon for audio and video files and 'web document' icon for documents. Clicking on the icon will either open the media file in a new tab or download the file to your computer.
Alternatively, you can view an individual submission in its entirety, including all media files captured / uploaded.
To export media files in bulk, visit our article on exporting media.