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Attach a file to a patient

Attach files (images, PDFs, Word documents, even videos!) to your patients.

Emily avatar
Written by Emily
Updated over a week ago

If your patients have documents that you need to keep on hand for reference (such as intake forms, history from a referring doctor, etc.), you can upload them as file attachments! Cliniko will let you upload any type of file, and there's no limit to how many files you can upload—but note that there is a maximum size of 500MB per file.

When attaching a file, please wait to delete the file from your computer until after it has been completely uploaded to the patient's details. If you delete the file from your computer while it's still "processing" the upload, it will not be attached properly.


Upload a file attachment to a patient

It's best to know where your file attachment is before you get started—store it somewhere easy to find, like your desktop!

Select the patient you want to add the attachment to, and click on Files:

Click the Add file button:

Find the file from where it "lives" on your computer, and select it (the below example is from a Mac, but the general idea would apply to any computer):

It will indicate that it's uploading, and then will display as a newly-attached file for you:

Once uploaded, there isn't a way to rename the files or images. You can however, edit the description of the attachment to make it easier to find or search.

If you click the Edit button, you can add a description of the file attachment:

When you click Update file attachment, you can then see the description you've added:

That's all there is to it! You can upload as many different files as you need, and they'll always be available for you to have a look at, or download. 

️Note: You can also "drag and drop" the file from your computer into the attachments area on the patient's file! Here's how that would look:


Upload images and files from a mobile device

When using Cliniko on a mobile device or tablet, you have the option to upload images directly from your camera or any files stored on your device 🎉!

In order to add files via a mobile device, first, head to the patient you want to add the attachment to, and select Files in the navigation menu:

From here, tap the Add file button (indicated by a plus "+" icon in the top right corner).

If this is your first time using Cliniko on your mobile device you may see a pop-up asking for permission(s) to your photos, camera, and recording etc. Make sure to accept otherwise uploading may not work.

If you use an Apple or iOS device, you'll have the option to select an image from your photo library, take a photo or video, or choose files stored on your device.

Otherwise, if you're using a different device your options will look a little different. For example, Android users may see the option to use their camera to take a photo, record a video using the camcorder, and select from their media folder for any documents or files.

Add images directly from camera

When attaching files, if you already have an image or video stored on your phone that you'd like to upload, select Photo Library (on iOS) or Media (on Android). From here, select your preferred image(s) and it'll upload to your patient's files.

Otherwise, to take a live photo, select Take Photo or Video (on iOS) or Camera (on Android). You'll now see your camera open. Use your device to capture a photo or video of your subject.

If you take a photo or video, it will NOT be added to your device's camera roll. It will only be added to the patient's file in Cliniko. If you want a copy on your device, make sure to download the file once it's uploaded.

If you do not like the photo, select "Retake" (on iOS) or "Retry" (on Android). However, once you're happy with the photo, select "Use Photo" (on iOS) or "OK" (on Android).

You'll now immediately see your image start to upload in the patient's file 🙌!! It may take some time but once finished, you're all set!

At this time, there isn't a way to rename the files or images uploaded, however, you can edit the description of the file attachment to make it easier to search.

Add files from mobile

If you're attaching a file via mobile or tablet instead of an image or video, select Choose files (on iOS) or Media (on Android):

Now, you have the choice to upload a file from your device. Please be aware that iOS and Android devices store files differently, so you might have to navigate through your device's folders to locate the saved file:

Once you select your file(s), they will begin to upload to the patient. Repeat this process for any additional images or files you may have and you're all set 🎉!


You can also link file attachments to treatment notes, and if you ever need to remove an attachment, you can do so, as long as you're the Practitioner who uploaded it, a Power Receptionist, or an Administrator. Head over here to learn how to remove a file attachment!

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