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File Selector

Overview​

Definition​

The file selector enables users to upload one or more files from their device.

Live Demo​

Drag and drop files here to upload

FileSelector

Anatomy​

Screenshot image of the component for the file selector

  1. Dropzone: Rectangular box which files can be dragged into and dropped
  2. Icon: A fixed upload icon
  3. Hint text: Default text explaining how the control can be used
  4. Information text: Text content indicating to the use of the file extensions and types that are accepted.
  5. Browse button: Launches the file browser on the device, to allow files to be selected on the local device.
  6. Upload button: provides explicit action to the user - can be interacted with once a file has been selected.
  7. Close button: Allows the user to cancel and close the file upload modal and abandon the task.
  8. File attached: Displaying the selected file to the user with a status to indicate whether the file type is accepted and ready to be uploaded.

Variants​

File upload primary state​

File attached secondary state​

This is displayed when a file is attached to the modal and ready to be uploaded.

The status when a file is attached to the upload modal

Variations for attached states​

  • Multiple files: users are able to upload multiple files at once to the **maximum size limit of 30MB within any modal. Each file should have a it's own status container.
  • Bin icon: allows the user to individually remove files from the upload modal
  • Spinner: indicates the progress of the file attaching to the upload modal.
  • Progress percentage: indicates how far along the file upload is.

Colour states​

  • Neutral: used when the file meets accepted criteria and is ready for upload.
  • Error: indicates to the user that file is not accepted. The file notice should clearly state why the file is not accepted. This should be used with a bin icon to allow the user to remove the unaccepted file from the modal.

example; file extension is not supported, the file size is too large or file limit reached

  • Success: used where a file has either been in a spinner or progress state and is now completed and ready for upload.

Size​

File upload area

Width: 360px - fixed

Height: 260px - hug

File attached snippet

Width: 277px - fixed

Height: 62px - hug

Icon: 24 X 24 px

Guidelines​

When to use​

  • Use when the user should be able to add one or more than one file from their device.

When not to use​

  • If only one file can be uploaded, use the file input control instead.

Position​

  • The file uploader modal appears centred on the screen, overlaying the current page content.

Behaviour​

Trigger​

The overlay is initiated when the user clicks 'Attach file" CTA on the previous screen. This actions signals the intent to upload a document or image related to workflow (employee profile, Documents, Employee Sickness)

The overlay appears in the background with modal in the foreground and includes;

  • Upload file modal
  • Dropzone
  • 'Browse files' secondary CTA within the dropzone
  • 'Upload' primary CTA in the footer of the modal
  • 'Cancel' tertiary CTA in the footer of the modal

Interactions​

  • On dropping files in the dropzone - or confirming files to upload from the device file browser - a progress indicator should be shown.
  • If one or more of the files fails to upload, an error panel should be shown near to the file selector.

Content​

Hint text​

  • Use the default hint text unless you have a very distinct need to use something else.

Information text​

  • Text indicating to the user which file extensions and types are accepted.

Accessibility​

  • The "Browse" button must be available, in a sensible position in the tab order, and accept keyboard focus.

Screen reader compatibility​

  • All interactive elements (buttons, overlays, spinners, file inputs) use proper semantic tags / ARIA labels. This allows screen readers to announce the buttons and any warnings to users who rely on audio feedback.