Prerequisites: Managing file types is a Manager-level task. Other roles can select and view file types when uploading, but only Managers can add, edit, or delete them.
Where to find file types
Go to Settings, open the Account section, and select File types. You’ll see every file type in your account listed in ascending order, with columns for:| Column | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Name | The file type name, with its color swatch |
| File types | The file formats this type accepts (for example, pdf, png, jpg) |
| Attached to | Where files of this type can attach — properties, other object types, or both |
| Visibility | Flags such as Sensitive, Hidden from public, or In carousel |
| Actions | Edit or delete the file type |
Create a file type
Choose where it can be attached
Use Where can this file type be attached? to pick whether files attach to properties, other object types, or both. This controls where the file type appears as an upload option.
Name the file type
Enter a clear Name. This is what people see in upload menus, filters, and the Files table.
Set a color and order
Pick a Color for the swatch shown in lists and on the map. For map legibility, prefer the GIS-approved colors at the bottom of the color picker.Set the Order to control where the file type appears in the list. Types are listed in ascending order, so a lower number appears higher.
Choose allowed file formats
Under Allowed file types, select every format this type should accept. Options are PDF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, MP4, and MOV. Pick at least one.Forerunner enforces these formats at upload time — someone can’t upload a JPG to a file type that only accepts PDF.
Set visibility and display options
Configure how files of this type behave:
- Sensitive — Marks files as containing PII. Sensitive files are automatically hidden from the public portal and can’t be made public.
- Hidden from public by default — New uploads of this type start hidden from the public portal. You can still share individual files later.
- Show in object panel image carousel — Surfaces image uploads in the property carousel on the object panel. Available only when every allowed format is an image.
Your file type appears in the list and in upload menus right away. People uploading files can now select it.
Edit or reorder a file type
To change an existing file type, select the Edit action next to it. You can update any field — name, color, allowed formats, attachment targets, and visibility settings. To reorder the list, edit a file type and change its Order value. Because the list is sorted in ascending order, lowering a type’s number moves it higher.Delete a file type
Select the Delete action next to a file type to remove it. Deletion is blocked when the file type is still in use — for example, when files are still attached to it or a record field still requires it. When that happens, Forerunner explains why the type can’t be deleted so you can reassign or remove those files first.Field reference
| Field | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Where can this file type be attached? | Whether files attach to properties, other object types, or both |
| Name | Display name in upload menus, filters, and the Files table |
| Color | Swatch shown in lists and on the map; GIS-approved presets improve map legibility |
| Order | Position in the list, sorted ascending |
| Allowed file types | Accepted formats: PDF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, MP4, MOV (at least one) |
| Parent Document Type | Links the type to a Forerunner system type so files get special handling — used for Elevation Certificates and similar regulated documents. Most file types leave this blank. |
| Sensitive | Marks files as PII; always hidden from the public portal |
| Hidden from public by default | New uploads start hidden from the public portal |
| Show in object panel image carousel | Surfaces image uploads in the property carousel; images-only |
Elevation Certificates rely on a Parent Document Type link so uploads trigger automatic data extraction. See Reviewing Elevation Certificates for how that processing works.
Troubleshooting
The carousel toggle is disabled
The carousel toggle is disabled
Show in object panel image carousel is only available when every allowed format is an image. Remove PDF, MP4, and MOV from Allowed file types to enable it.
I can't turn off 'Hidden from public by default'
I can't turn off 'Hidden from public by default'
Delete is blocked
Delete is blocked
The file type is still in use — files are attached to it, or a record field still requires it. Reassign or delete those files first, then delete the type. The message on the delete action explains what’s still using it.
A new format isn't accepted at upload
A new format isn't accepted at upload
Confirm the format is selected under Allowed file types for that file type, and that the person is uploading to the right type. Format changes apply to new uploads going forward.