Last year Quickbase unveiled the new File Manager plugin, and let me tell you, it is AWESOME. 🤩

If you have a workflow that requires multiple attachments for a single record this plugin is for you!

Now, I'll be honest...

I missed the initial release of this fantastic tool. 😱

In my defense, most of the year I was juggling a move 📦 and remodeling our new house 🏡.

We are now happily moved in with the big projects completed. Yay! Which means more videos!

To demo this plugin, I created a sample app using the AI Smart Builder that took less than a minute. The app I asked it to build will store daily field reports for construction projects (not unlike the construction zone our house once was 🚧🛠👷‍♂️).

But here's the kicker – I need to be able to add multiple job site photos to each daily report and have them all uploaded in one action.

Enter the new file manager plugin. 🙌

Before installing the plugin, some pre-work is needed:

1. Make sure you have permission to install plugins.
2. Identify the parent table where users will be uploading the files. In my case, it was the "Field Reports" table.
3. Create a new table for the storage of the uploaded files. Or you can use an existing table. I created a table called "Files".
4. Add one Attachment field to the files table. You may add additional fields, but DO NOT make any of them required since they'll need to be filled out after the initial multi-file import.
5. Add a relationship between the two tables where the files table is the Child and the other table is the parent. In the demo, it looks like this:
   
6. Decide what should happen when someone deletes a file.
   A) Does the file and the record get deleted
   B) Does only the file get deleted from the record
7. If you choose A make the attachment field required.

With the prework completed, we can install the plugin! 🥳

Go to the application settings, and click on "Plugins". From there choose the "File Manager Plugin". You may also see the Gantt Plugin which I created a video for a while back.

During installation, you can configure the upload settings for the following:

• Max file size
• Max files in a single upload
• Thumbnail preview
• Deleting files

You'll also select your parent and child tables, their key fields, and identify the attachment field.

Once you click the Save button, Quickbase magically creates a new Formula URL field on the Parent table called "Qb Plugin-Launch File Manager".

With everything configured and the plugin installed, it's time to put the File Manager to the test.

User-friendly interface? Check ✅

Uploading multiple photos in one action? Double check ✅ ✅

But wait, there's more!

Because the plugin uses a URL, we can customize its appearance and behavior by adjusting the size of the iframe, configuring it as a button to a new window, or even setting it up as a pop-up window.

To learn about all the amazing ways you can customize the appearance and behavior of buttons in Quickbase enroll in The Button Masterclass with the Button Starter Tool!

And if you're concerned about mobile, don't worry – you can use the File Manager on mobile too! Just be sure to include the plugin field on a Legacy form set for use on mobile.

Lastly, the File Manager plugin can't be used when creating a new record. The record must first be saved. To avoid the error message on new records, set the field to not display on new records.

If you have workflows that require uploading multiple files (not just photos) the File Manager plugin might just become your new best friend.👯‍♀️

Enjoy!

 Other Attachment Resources:

• Simple Solutions: Error Message with Link to Resource
• Simple Solutions: Disable Role From Deleting an Attachment
• What's With File Attachments Opening vs Downloading
   

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