Unleash the Power of Attachments: Enabling Email Attachments in Elementor Forms

Collecting file submissions through online forms can be frustratingly limited. Elementor forms provide a powerful solution – with the ability to attach files directly to email notifications. This guide will explore the key reasons for enabling Elementor form attachments, walk through methods like native uploads or plugins, and provide tips for seamless implementation. Unlock the potential and say goodbye to restrictive form file uploads!

Step-by-Step Guide to Emailing Attachments with Elementor Forms

Elementor Forms typically store uploaded files in the Media Library, showing only a link in the Submissions page.

The Submission Report: Contains only the link, not the file itself.

Some users are fine with this setup. However, others need to send these files via email along with confirmation messages. To do this, you’ll need a bit of customization related to the form upload field.

Ways to Add Custom Code to Elementor Forms

1. Through the Functions.php File: Add custom code directly to your theme’s functions.php file.
2. Via a Custom Plugin: Create a custom plugin to house your code.
3. Using a Code Insertion Plugin: Insert PHP code using a code insertion plugin.

No matter the method, the code functions similarly. Using a custom plugin is often the best for longevity. Codes in functions.php might get overwritten with theme updates, unless you’re using a child theme.

Now, let’s dive into the coding part.

Custom Code for Email Attachments in Elementor

In our example, we use a child theme. Insert this code at the end of your child theme’s functions.php file:

// Class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments
// Send Elementor Form upload field as attachments to email

class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments {
    public $attachments_array = [];

    public function __construct() {
        add_action('elementor_pro/forms/process', [$this, 'init_form_email_attachments'], 11, 2);
    }

    // Code continues.../**
 * Class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments
 *
 * Send Elementor Form upload field as attachments to email
 */
class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments {
   public $attachments_array = [];
   public function __construct() {
      add_action( 'elementor_pro/forms/process', [ $this, 'init_form_email_attachments' ], 11, 2 );
   }
   /**
    * @param \ElementorPro\Modules\Forms\Classes\Form_Record $record
    * @param \ElementorPro\Modules\Forms\Classes\Ajax_Handler $ajax_handler
    */
   public function init_form_email_attachments( $record, $ajax_handler ) {
      // check if we have attachments
      $files = $record->get( 'files' );
      if ( empty( $files ) ) {
         return;
      }
      // Store attachment in local var
      foreach ( $files as $id => $files_array ) {
         $this->attachments_array[] = $files_array['path'][0];
      }
      // if local var has attachments setup filter hook
      if ( 0 < count( $this->attachments_array ) ) {
         add_filter( 'wp_mail', [ $this, 'wp_mail' ] );
         add_action( 'elementor_pro/forms/new_record', [ $this, 'remove_wp_mail_filter' ], 5 );
      }
   }
   public function remove_wp_mail_filter() {
      $this->attachments_array = [];
      remove_filter( 'wp_mail', [ $this, 'wp_mail' ] );
   }
   public function wp_mail( $args ) {
      $args['attachments'] = $this->attachments_array;
      return $args;
   }
}
new Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments();

This code ensures your Elementor form sends email attachments along with notifications. The file links still get stored on the Submissions report page for reference.

Option to Remove Attachments from Media Library

To remove attachments from the Media Library after emailing:

/**
 * Class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments
 *
 * Send Elementor Form upload field as attachments to email
 */
class Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments {
   // Set to true if you want the files to be removed from
   // the server after they are sent by email
   const DELETE_ATTACHMENT_FROM_SERVER = false;
   public $attachments_array = [];
   public function __construct() {
      add_action( 'elementor_pro/forms/process', [ $this, 'init_form_email_attachments' ], 11, 2 );
   }
   /**
    * @param \ElementorPro\Modules\Forms\Classes\Form_Record $record
    * @param \ElementorPro\Modules\Forms\Classes\Ajax_Handler $ajax_handler
    */
   public function init_form_email_attachments( $record, $ajax_handler ) {
      // check if we have attachments
      $files = $record->get( 'files' );
      if ( empty( $files ) ) {
         return;
      }
      // Store attachment in local var
      foreach ( $files as $id => $files_array ) {
         $this->attachments_array[] = $files_array['path'][0];
      }
      // if local var has attachments setup filter hook
      if ( 0 < count( $this->attachments_array ) ) {
         add_filter( 'wp_mail', [ $this, 'wp_mail' ] );
         add_action( 'elementor_pro/forms/new_record', [ $this, 'remove_wp_mail_filter' ], 5 );
      }
   }
   public function remove_wp_mail_filter() {
      if ( self::DELETE_ATTACHMENT_FROM_SERVER ) {
         foreach ( $this->attachments_array as $uploaded_file ) {
            unlink( $uploaded_file );
         }
      }
      $this->attachments_array = [];
      remove_filter( 'wp_mail', [ $this, 'wp_mail' ] );
   }
   public function wp_mail( $args ) {
      $args['attachments'] = $this->attachments_array;
      return $args;
   }
}
new Elementor_Form_Email_Attachments();

Change DELETE_ATTACHMENT_FROM_SERVER to true if you want to remove files from the server after sending the email.

Why Attach Files to Elementor Forms?

Attaching files to Elementor forms is a game-changer for anyone using WordPress, especially with themes from ‘WordaThemes’. This feature enhances user interaction in various scenarios:

1. Applications: Imagine you’re running a job portal or a freelance website. Integrating the ability for candidates to attach resumes, portfolio samples, and cover letters directly through Elementor forms makes the application process seamless and professional.
2. Contracts: In the realm of legal or business dealings, the need to exchange documents efficiently is paramount. Elementor forms enable users to effortlessly upload and share contracts, thereby simplifying the signing and exchange process.
3. Design Files: For creative professionals, being able to collect high-fidelity mockups, graphics, and presentations from clients directly through a website form is a significant efficiency boost.

Overall, incorporating file attachments into Elementor forms not only improves the user experience but also streamlines workflows and enriches data collection. This functionality is particularly useful when coupled with themes from ‘WordaThemes’, known for their versatility and customization capabilities.

While there are potential challenges like file size limits and security considerations, this guide addresses these pain points effectively. The ability to attach files to Elementor forms, when done right, can significantly enhance the functionality of your WordPress site, making it more interactive and user-friendly.

Methods for Enabling Elementor Forms Email Attachments

There are a few approaches to activate email attachments with Elementor forms:

Native Elementor File Upload Field

The built-in file upload field allows attaching a single file to form emails. However, it has limitations:

• File size capped at 10MB
• Only one file per field
• Basic interface

For simple needs, it may suffice. Consider linking to file downloads in notifications to compensate. Just be sure to optimize those links for SEO!

Third-Party Plugins

Dedicated plugins extend Elementor forms with robust file attachment capabilities:

Plugin	Features	Pricing	Ease of Use
WPattachment	Unlimited files, size limits, UI enhancements	Free – $39	Easy
Attachments Plus	Conditional logic, custom paths, encryption	$49+	Moderate

For most users, WPattachment is the best option thanks to its free plan and simplicity. Attachments Plus offers more advanced features for higher-volume needs.

Custom Code Solution

Developers can enable attachments by writing custom PHP and JavaScript. Refer to tutorials like this one for guidance. This allows limitless customization for unique needs.

Best Practices and Considerations

When working with form email attachments, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Set file size limits in both the plugin and Email settings to prevent oversized uploads. 5-10MB is a good starting point.
• For security, consider blocking uploads of php, js, and exe file types which may contain malware.
• Ensure your email provider and server can handle larger attachments without issues like bouncing.
• Compress and optimize file types like PDFs for faster uploads.
• If dealing with sensitive data, use plugins with encryption features to secure attachments.
• Consult legal counsel to ensure attachment handling complies with regulations like GDPR.

Advanced users can leverage conditional logic to change file paths dynamically based on user actions. The possibilities are vast!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common problems and fixes when enabling Elementor form attachments:

Attachments not arriving – Double check your plugin and Email settings. Try a smaller test file. Verify attachments work outside Elementor.

File size errors – Adjust the max file size limits higher in both the plugin and Email settings. Compress files before uploading.

Security warnings – Some providers block attachments from unknown hosts. You may need to add SPF and DKIM records to improve deliverability.

For additional troubleshooting, consult the plugin documentation and Elementor form support resources. Activating debug logging can also reveal the root cause.

Conclusion

Adding email attachments supercharges Elementor forms, unlocking critical functionality for diverse use cases. The native upload field handles basic needs, while plugins like WPattachment provide enterprise-grade capabilities. With the steps in this guide, you can quickly enable attachments and eliminate restrictive uploads forever. Feel free to share your experiences!

FAQ

What are the main benefits of enabling Elementor form attachments?

The key benefits are improved user experience, more efficient workflows, and richer data collection by allowing file uploads. This expands the possibilities for forms tremendously.

Is there a limit to the number of file attachments I can collect?

The native upload field is limited to one file. But plugins like WPattachment allow unlimited files depending on your server environment. This makes collecting multiple documents, photos, videos, etc. possible.

What if my files are too large to attach to emails?

Compressing files before uploading is recommended, along with setting reasonable size limits in your plugin and Email settings. As a last resort, you can include links to downloads rather than direct attachments.

Are there any security risks with accepting file uploads?

Yes – it’s crucial to restrict allowed file types to prevent malware uploads. Some plugins also offer encryption and other protective measures. Consulting security professionals is advised for highly sensitive data.

How can I customize where uploaded files are stored?

Plugins like Attachments Plus allow defining custom file paths and folders for uploads. Developers can programmatically set dynamic paths based on form responses too.