How Do You Add File Uploads to a Form Without a Backend?

Use multipart HTML forms with a hosted endpoint to receive resumes, screenshots, PDFs, and attachments without maintaining upload infrastructure.

Quick answer

To add file uploads without a backend, use a hosted form service that accepts multipart/form-data. Add a file input to your form, set the enctype attribute, and let the service store attachments, enforce size limits, and show files beside each submission.

What does an HTML file upload form need?

A file upload form must use POST and multipart/form-data. Without that encoding type, the browser will not send the file payload correctly.

<form action="https://submitkit.dev/api/f/YOUR_FORM_ID" method="POST" enctype="multipart/form-data">
  <input type="email" name="email" required>
  <input type="file" name="attachment">
  <button type="submit">Send</button>
</form>

Where are uploaded files stored?

SubmitKit stores file metadata with the submission and stores file objects in the configured storage backend. The dashboard links files back to the submission so you can review the full context.

Which limits matter most?

The important limits are file size, number of files per submission, accepted file types, and monthly submission volume. These limits prevent accidental overload and reduce abuse risk.

When should uploads go through your own backend?

Use your own backend for regulated workflows, virus scanning requirements, or files that must be transformed immediately. Use a hosted form backend for resumes, screenshots, PDFs, attachments, and simple intake workflows.