Can I add attachments or photos to my forum posts?

You cannot add attachments or photos to your forum messages at this time. However, you have several options for sharing important files with your group:

* Share photos on BigTent. Just sign in and you'll be able to upload photos in a separate photo sharing area. All members can share photos.

* Post photos of buy/sell/trade items in classifieds. Selling a used TV, stroller, bookcase? Sign in, make a classifieds listing and add your photo(s). We have a separate classifieds area to help groups separate their group-wide discussion traffic from buy/sell/trade activity, which usually appeals to a smaller crowd. All members can post classifieds listings, as long as group admins have enabled the classifieds feature for their group.

* Upload files. If you have permissions to add files, you can upload files up to 20 MB apiece in your group's files area - a great place to share PDF copies of your newsletter, group bylaws, and more. Every stored file has a unique download URL so if you want to easily share a file with your group just download the file you just uploaded, copy the URL and share the URL with group members. Clicking on the URL link will instantly download the file.

How do I sort files?

Group members can search for files by keyword or click on a tag to see files that match that category. We recommend that you clear your search terms once you've found what you're looking for.

Group administrators and members with special files permission can categorize files. You can use tags to identify key features about your file. Tags are better than a sorted list for organizing files because a file can have more than one tag, making it possible to cross-reference files.

For example, you might tag your file "Video" as well as "Parenting Resources" so that it can be found when browsing either of those categories.

To add tags to an existing file, click "edit" next to the file in question and add your tags.

Overview: Files

Groups can store files, such as documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, audio files, and even videos, in the Files section. There is no limit to the number of files a group can store, although the size limit per file is 20MB. Files can be emailed out to the whole group through either the Forums or News.

How do I download a file?

* Go to my groups > [group name] > files to see a list of downloadable files.
* Search for the file, or click a tag in the left column to narrow the results.
* Click "download" to download the file of your choice.


The file will automatically be downloaded to your desktop, or your computer might ask what you would like to do with the file.

If you belong to multiple groups, you can see all your groups' files by going to the "my groups" menu and selecting "View all." Then choose the "files" tab. Here you'll see all files posted by any of your groups on BigTent. Each file is color-coded according to its group to help you easily identify to which group each file belongs.


Can I search for a file?

To search for a file, go to the Files area and enter your search terms on the left hand side of the page. Click "Search." Be sure to click "Reset" when you are finished searching to reveal all files again.

You can also click on a category tag to see files that match that description. Learn more about sorting files here: How do I sort files?


To add a file:

* Go to my groups > [group name] > files and click "Add a file."
* Complete the required information and select your file from your computer.
* Choose with whom to share the file.
* Click "Upload.


To send a file:

* Add your file per the instructions above.
* Right-click "Download" next to the file name.
* Select "Copy Shortcut" or "Copy Link Location." (Exact text will depend on the Web browser you use.)
* Go to your group's forum and start a topic, or create a news announcement.
* Right click in the message area and choose "Paste" to paste your file's link location.



The Nitty Gritty

File Tags

Add Tags to keep your files organized. For example, you could use the tag "Meeting Minutes" to store your group's minutes. Then, any files with this tag will be accessible by members who click on that category tag on the left side of the Files page. Learn more about tags here: What are tags and where can I use them on BigTent?


Sending Files

When you post your forum topic or send a news blast, it will go out via email to your members (depending on their forum notification settings) and the link will appear in the topic. When the member clicks the link, the file will be available for download without the need to navigate back to BigTent.