How To Enhance JavaScript File Upload In Your Web App
Tags: filestack, javascript, upload, webdev
Published: 2022-08-22 21:43:50

Many web applications collect information from the selected files and transmit it to the page. While a basic upload form can do the trick, an API service is needed to expand on modern features. 

This includes drag and drop, remote storage, image editing, and multiple attachments. 

A ready-made solution can add layers of functionality to a JavaScript file upload. So once you secure the upload form to allowlist file types, it’s time to push some pixels on the front end.

You should aim for a responsive user interface that looks amazing and performs the actions expected by the user. 

A [JavaScript file uploader](https://www.filestack.com/products/file-upload/) ensures convenient, fast-moving uploads on every device to handle a host of file sizes whenever a user pastes content into the upload container. Ideally, you should limit the number of user interactions by making it easier to navigate the form. 

## What Is The Least Confusing UI For Invoking A JavaScript File Upload?

A professional UX design has visually-appealing graphics and clear instructions for users, where all available options are shown, and the form data is converted via a POST request.
 
While the visual presentation is essential, it’s better to tread on familiar ground with a design that users already understand. 

By employing the best practices, let’s dive into what kind of UI would mesh well with a custom JavaScript file uploader.

You can start by improving the “choose a file” dialogue box: A good template should include the “drag file here” text and an up arrow or cloud icon to prompt the user. 

A preview option is equally valuable since it forecasts how the file data might appear inside a web app. 

Aside from picking a unified color scheme, you must arrange the elements into a visual format that connects with your audience. It would be helpful to list supported file types next to the upload button for the user to reference. 
Consider sorting their names into columns for groups of files before confirming the full path. 

## Can UX Guidelines Be Applied To Enhance The User Experience?

Yes, at its core, UX is the backbone of usability for web apps that users rely on to complete tasks. 

On SaaS products, a JavaScript file upload would enable users to attach documents, images, and videos, thereby improving the dashboard experience with additional functionality. 

In practice, UX is defined by the following design principles: 

- The UI is where product interactions occur, whereas the user experience refers to the emotional outcome afterward.

- Understanding your audience by conducting user research to learn about their preferences and behavior is essential.

- Testing the interface should involve real users: You want the feedback of people from diverse backgrounds with different goals. 

- Ensure your users aren’t distracted by information overload, which could deter them from revisiting your site.

- Keep your web design simple and consistent when working with content placeholders.

The file input and button are points of contact for users to transfer their data in the browser. Specifically, they need to stand out from the background elements, adding a border around the dialogue box.

On the surface, your users won’t notice the difference between a simple image upload vs. one that has to process complex information. 

And yet, a JavaScript file uploader must be able to perform scalable file imports in record time. 

What’s the best way to guide users through on-premise and cloud-based uploads?

## Are There Any Useful Tips For Customizing A JavaScript File Upload?

In this section, we’ll walk you through how visual components can revamp the user experience of a JavaScript file upload. While CSS properties deliver smoother graphics, an API would help address use cases that deviate from the norm. 

Consider building a dropdown to let the user choose the platform from which to import file data. 

For multiple uploads, the web app can fetch a table that maps out the file previews, to show users how the texts and images fit together on a page. 

Likewise, there should be options to save or remove uploaded files for your users, and a JavaScript API can optimize them with minimal server load. 
If an unsuccessful upload, you must notify the user of the potential cause via an error message. 

## Answering File Upload Troubles

With [certain APIs](https://www.filestack.com/), you can assign unique events to files at any stage, from in transit to their final destination. 

It is even possible to transform image files with an in-app interface once you have the SDKs fully installed. For the visual demo, you will get access to its entire collection of user-friendly upload, drag and drop, and storage tools.

**Also published [here.](https://blog.filestack.com/thoughts-and-knowledge/enhance-javascript-file-upload-user-experience-web-app)**