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File types (also called document types) help you categorize and organize the files in your Forerunner account. When you upload a file, you select its document type to indicate what kind of document it is - like an Elevation Certificate, building permit, or site photo.

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What are document types?

Document types are categories that define how files behave in Forerunner. Each document type has:
PropertyDescription
A nameHow it appears in upload menus and filters (e.g., “Elevation Certificate”)
Allowed file formatsWhich file types can be uploaded (PDF, JPG, PNG, MP4)
Visibility settingsWhether files are public by default or hidden from residents
Attachment rulesWhat objects files can attach to (properties, other object types, or standalone)
Display optionsWhether to show files in property carousels or galleries
Sensitivity levelWhether the type contains sensitive information that should never be public
Document types help you keep files organized and ensure they’re handled appropriately based on your workflows and compliance requirements.

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Default document types

Every Forerunner account includes two required document types: Elevation Certificate - FEMA Elevation Certificates documenting building elevation and flood risk information. These files are automatically processed using AI to extract data and can be uploaded from the Files table since they automatically geocode to properties. Property Image - Photos of properties, buildings, or sites. These typically display in property carousels for quick visual reference. Must be uploaded from a property page. Your account may also include additional file types set up for your workflows, such as:
  • Building permits
  • Milestone inspection reports
  • Repair documentation
  • Correspondence
  • Site plans
  • Code violation notices
  • Grant applications
  • Environmental reports
The file types available in your account reflect your organization’s workflows. Managers can add and adjust them at any time.

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Configuring file types

Managers configure file types from account settings — adding new categories, changing allowed formats, and adjusting visibility as workflows evolve. Other roles can select and view file types when uploading, but only Managers can change them. See Managing file types for step-by-step instructions.

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When to add or change a file type

Add or edit a file type when you need to:
  • Add a new category - You’re tracking a type of document that doesn’t fit existing file types
  • Change allowed file formats - A file type needs to accept different formats
  • Adjust visibility - Default public or hidden behavior needs to change
  • Mark a type as sensitive - Certain documents should never be public
  • Change display settings - Adjust whether files appear in property carousels
Plan your core file types up front and use specific names like “Building Permit” rather than “Permit.” Consistent, well-named types make files easier to filter, report on, and find.

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How document types affect uploads

When you upload a file, the document type you select determines:

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File format checks

Only file formats allowed for that document type will be accepted. For example:
  • Elevation Certificates typically accept PDF only
  • Property Images accept JPG, PNG
  • Some types accept multiple formats including videos
If you try to upload an unsupported format, you’ll see an error message. A Manager can add the format to the file type in account settings — see Managing file types.

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Public visibility

Hidden by default - Some document types are configured to hide files from public view automatically. You can still share these files individually via email if needed. Visible by default - Other document types default to public visibility, appearing on your public website if you have one enabled. You can manually hide individual files after upload. Always sensitive - Sensitive document types are always hidden and cannot be made public, regardless of individual file settings.

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Attachment behavior

Requires property - Most document types must be attached to a property during upload. You’ll select the property as part of the upload process. These files must be uploaded from a property or object page, not from the Files table. Requires another object type - Some file types attach to specific object types (e.g., stormwater system documentation). These must be uploaded from that object’s page. Standalone allowed - Elevation Certificates can be uploaded without selecting a property initially. Forerunner will automatically link them to the correct property after extracting the address. This unique capability allows ECs to be uploaded from the Files table, unlike other file types.

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Processing behavior

Elevation Certificates trigger automatic AI-powered data extraction when uploaded. See Elevation Certificates for details on this automated processing. Other document types are stored and organized but not automatically processed. They’re available immediately after upload completes.

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Document type properties

Understanding how document types are configured helps you use them effectively:

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Allowed MIME types

Each document type specifies which file formats are accepted:
  • PDF - For forms, reports, and official documents
  • JPG, PNG - For photos and images
  • MP4, MOV - For video documentation
  • Multiple formats - Some types accept any combination of the above
File format restrictions are enforced at upload time. You cannot upload a JPG to a document type configured for PDF only.

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Sensitivity settings

Sensitive document types have special handling:
  • Files are automatically hidden from public view
  • Cannot be made visible on public website
  • Activities related to these files are marked sensitive
  • Restricted access based on user permissions
Examples of sensitive document types:
  • Financial documentation
  • Personal correspondence
  • Legal documents
  • Internal staff notes
Non-sensitive document types allow public sharing when appropriate for transparency and resident access.

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Display settings

Show in carousel - Files of this type appear in property image galleries and carousels for quick visual reference. Typically used for photos and site images. Hidden from carousel - Files are accessible via the Files table or property file lists but don’t appear in visual carousels. Typically used for forms and reports.

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Attachment configuration

Document types define where files can be attached: Property attachment - Most common configuration. Files attach to properties in your account. Other object attachment - Files attach to specific object types. For example, stormwater inspection photos might attach to stormwater infrastructure objects. Flexible attachment - Some types can attach to multiple object types based on context.

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Viewing your document types

You can see your account’s configured document types in several places: During upload - The document type dropdown shows all available types when you upload a file. In the Files table - Use the document type filter to see which types are in use and how many files of each type you have. In settings - Managers can view and configure file types under Settings > Account > File types. See Managing file types.

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Best practices

Create specific document types rather than generic ones. “Building Permit” is more useful than “Permit” because it’s clearer and enables better filtering and reporting.
Decide which file types should be marked sensitive before files start coming in. It’s better to start restrictive and open up access later than to accidentally share sensitive documents publicly.
For each document type, determine the ideal file format and configure accordingly. PDFs work best for forms and reports, while JPGs work best for photos.
Ensure your team understands which document type to select for different uploads. Consistent categorization makes files easier to find and manage.
As your workflows evolve, review your file types in account settings. You may need to add new types, rename them, or adjust their settings.
Determine which document types support your transparency goals. Elevation Certificates and flood zone information are often good candidates for public sharing.

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Frequently asked questions

Managers can create and configure file types from Settings > Account > File types. See Managing file types for step-by-step instructions. Other roles can select existing file types when uploading but can’t change them.
Not directly — delete the file and re-upload it under the correct file type. Contact your Customer Success Manager if you need to recategorize files in bulk.
The file type you selected doesn’t accept that format. Either choose a file type that accepts it, or — if you’re a Manager — add the format to the file type’s allowed formats in account settings.
The file is still stored and accessible, but it may have the wrong visibility settings or show up in unexpected searches. Delete the file and re-upload it under the correct file type, or contact your Customer Success Manager for help with bulk recategorization.
There’s no strict limit, but too many types make uploads confusing. Most accounts have 5-15 file types. Aim for the right balance between specificity and simplicity.
No, document type names must be unique within your account. If you need similar categories, use descriptive names like “Inspection Photos - Building” and “Inspection Photos - Stormwater.”