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Element: File

Learn more about the file element, where you can upload pdfs, CSV and much more!

Filippo Schiano di Pepe avatar
Written by Filippo Schiano di Pepe
Updated over a week ago

What Is the File Element?

(See screenshot below)

The File Element allows you to upload and share rich file-based content—such as PDFs, audio files, spreadsheets (CSV), or other downloadable documents—directly inside a course lesson.

This feature is ideal for:

  • Distributing study materials

  • Sharing assignments or templates

  • Providing data sets for analysis

  • Uploading audio guides, case studies, or even transcripts

The best part? Learners don’t need to download or switch tabs. They can view files inline within Teachfloor.


🛠️ How to Add a File Element

  1. Open your course and navigate to the Curriculum tab.

  2. Click “+ Add Element” on the left-hand side.

  3. Scroll down and select “File” from the list of available element types.

  4. The File element will now appear in your course flow. Click “Settings” to configure it.

(See screenshot below)

⚙️ Step 1: Configure Common Settings

Like all Teachfloor elements, the File Element includes a set of shared configuration options that help you control the module's:

  • Title and cover image

  • Description and learner instructions

  • Supplementary resources

  • Prerequisites (Requirements)

  • Audience segmentation (Visibility)

  • Internal labels (Metadata)

👉 Rather than repeating all those details here, we’ve created a single, dedicated guide:

Once those are in place, you’re ready to focus on what makes the File Element unique.


📎 Step 2: Upload Your File

(See screenshot below)

Now let’s handle the File-specific configuration, which is the core function of this element.


✅ Supported File Types

You can upload one file per File Element. Supported types include:

Format

Use Case Example

PDF

Reading handouts, ebooks, infographics

Audio (MP3, WAV)

Lecture recordings, interviews, listening comprehension

CSV

Data sets, survey exports, spreadsheet templates

📁 Maximum file size: 2GB


📤 How to Upload

(See screenshot below)

Teachfloor gives you two easy ways to upload your file:

  1. Drag and Drop

    • Simply drag your file from your desktop into the upload area.

  2. Click to Upload

    • Click the box to browse and select your file manually.

Once uploaded:

  • Learners will see a preview (for PDFs and audio).

  • Files are embedded directly into the course—no third-party viewers are required.


💡 Pro Tips

Tip

Why It Helps

Use descriptive file names like Case-Study-Q3.pdf

Students will know what they're opening instantly

Always add a brief Description

Helps learners understand the purpose of the file

Upload audio summaries or reflections

Engages auditory learners

Use CSV files with questions or prompts in a separate Content element

Turns passive data into active learning


🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


➤ Can I upload more than one file?

No. Each File Element supports one main upload.
If you want to attach multiple files:

  • Add them in the “Resources” section, OR

  • Create multiple File Elements with descriptive titles.


➤ Can learners download the file?

Yes. Learners can:

  • View the file inline (for PDFs and audio)

  • Download the file if needed for offline access


➤ Is this different from the Content or Embed element?

Yes. Here's a quick comparison:

Feature

File Element

Content Element

Embed Element

Upload PDF/CSV/Audio

Display HTML text & media

Embed 3rd-party tools (like Miro, Google Docs)


From student account.

Here is how the PDF will look from a student's perspective.

(See screenshot below)


💬 Still Need Help?

Our support team is here to assist you with:

  • Upload issues

  • File size concerns

  • Preview troubleshooting

  • Choosing the right format for your content

Click the blue chat icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and one of our team members will be happy to guide you.

Did this answer your question?