pattern-library checked

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.

Open source

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.

Evidence Role

This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.

Publisher: Government Digital Service. Last checked: .