Essays are the most common file type teachers collect. Here's the fastest way to set up an essay submission page.

Setup

  1. getfiles.app → title: "English 101 — Persuasive Essay"
  2. Description: "Submit your essay as PDF or DOCX. Include your name and student ID in the filename. Due Friday 5pm."
  3. Advanced settings → File types: "Documents only"
  4. Create and share the link

Why "Documents only"?

Setting the file type restriction to documents prevents students from accidentally uploading screenshots of their essay instead of the actual document. It also prevents uploading images, videos, or other unrelated files.

Naming convention

Include a naming convention in your description: "Name your file: LastName_FirstName_Essay1.pdf"

This saves you time when reviewing. Instead of opening 30 files named "essay.docx," you can scan filenames and know exactly whose work you're looking at.

Late submissions

You control the expiration date. If you want to accept late submissions, set the expiration a few days after the deadline. The upload timestamp shows you exactly when each student submitted, so you can still track who was late.

Collecting drafts and final versions

Create separate upload pages for drafts and final versions:

This keeps drafts and finals separate and gives each its own deadline.

Download and grade

Download the ZIP, extract it, and you have all essays in one folder. Open them one by one in your preferred reader and grade as usual.