GOV.UK Design System: File upload
Documents when to ask users for uploads, labelled file input structure, hint and error message support, single and multiple file selection, improved upload component behavior, drag-and-drop support, translated component text, and file-count error wording.
What this source can teach
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Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop upload | Choose drag-and-drop upload when dropping files from a desktop file manager is a common, useful shortcut. | Dragenter and dragover make the target visibly active only when the incoming data includes files. | GOV.UK supports improved file upload behavior with both Choose file and drag-and-drop options, plus labels, hints, errors, and multiple selection. |
| File upload | Choose file upload when the original file itself is needed, not just information from the file. | Activating the choose-file button opens the platform file picker and returns focus to the invoking control or selected file summary afterward. | GOV.UK supports labelled file upload, hints, errors, critical-use guidance, multiple files, improved upload behavior, and count-limit messaging. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Drag-and-drop upload vs file upload vs multi-step form vs text input
GOV.UK supports an improved file upload component where users can choose a file or drag and drop into the upload area.
- File upload vs text input vs single-question page vs multi-step form
GOV.UK supports labelled file upload, hints, errors, multiple selection, count-limit messaging, and improved upload behavior.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: Government Digital Service. Last checked: .