File types

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: 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 document types configured by your Customer Success Manager during onboarding, such as:

• Building permits
• Milestone inspection reports
• Repair documentation
• Correspondence
• Site plans
• Code violation notices
• Grant applications
• Environmental reports

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Configuring document types

Document types are configured by your Customer Success Manager (CSM) based on your workflows and requirements. End users cannot create or modify document types.

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When to request new document types

Contact your Customer Success Manager when you need to:

• Add a new document category - You’re tracking a new type of document that doesn’t fit existing categories
• Modify allowed file formats - A document type needs to accept different file formats
• Change visibility settings - Default public/private settings need adjustment
• Mark documents as sensitive - Certain documents should never be publicly visible
• Adjust display settings - Change whether files appear in property carousels

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Information to provide your CSM

When requesting a new document type, provide:

1. Document type name - What you want to call it (e.g., “Building Permit”)
2. File formats needed - PDF only, images only, or multiple formats
3. Visibility preference - Should files be public or private by default?
4. Sensitivity level - Does this contain sensitive information?
5. Where it attaches - Properties, specific custom map layers, or standalone?
6. Display preference - Should these show in property carousels?
7. Use case - How you’ll use this document type in your workflows

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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. Contact your CSM if you need to add additional formats to a document type.

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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 custom map feature - Some document types attach to specific custom map layers (e.g., stormwater system documentation). These must be uploaded from the specific 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 - For video documentation
• Multiple formats - Some types accept any combination of the above

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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. Custom map attachment - Files attach to specific custom map layers. For example, stormwater inspection photos might attach to stormwater infrastructure features. 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 - Admins can view document type configurations in account settings.

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Best practices

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Frequently asked questions