Problem Statement

When using the Attach content feature in Pega mobile apps (native or offline enabled), the attachment picker displays multiple file type options including images, videos, and audio files.  

Organizations may require restricting users to attach only specific file types (for example, images only) for compliance, security, or business process reasons. 

Symptoms and Impact

Default Attach content control allows multiple file types (image, video, audio).

Steps to reproduce

Automated Attachment (via Workflow Step) 

1. In Pega Infinity™ Studio, click Case Types and select your Case Type. 
2. On the Workflow tab, hover over a Process. 
3. Click Add Step > More > Automations > Attach Content > Select. 
4. Configure the attachment type:  
   1. Attach a File — Click Upload, enter an Attachment name, and select a category.  
      • Expected behavior: Only image attachment options displayed. 
      • Actual behavior: All file types (image, video, audio) are available in the attachment picker.
   2. Attach a URL — Enter the URL, provide a name, and optionally select a category. 
5. Add an Audit note (optional) and click Save. 

Steps to Attach Content (Mobile App) 

1. Open the case in the mobile app. 
2. Use the Attachment field or Attachment gadget to add content. 
3. Attachments can be added in:  
   • The case (via the Attachment gadget)  
   • A Pulse message (via the Attachment field)  
   • An Email (via the Email smart shape) 
4. Supported attachment types include File, Note, Screenshot, Scanned Document, URL, and Content. 
5. Locate a built-in configuration to restrict attachment types.   Result: Configuration does not exist. All file types (image, video, audio) are available in the attachment picker.

Root Cause

No restriction is configurable via Pega Platform™ parameters or settings because the attachment options are influenced by the underlying mobile operating system (iOS/Android) and controlled through scripts that are part of the mobile app framework.  

Therefore, the file attachment picker displayed in Pega mobile applications is controlled by the native mobile operating system (iOS or Android), not by Pega Platform.  

When the Attach content control is invoked: 

1. iOS devices: Display Apple's native file picker (UIDocumentPickerViewController) 
2. Android devices: Display Android's native file picker (Intent.ACTION_GET_CONTENT) 

These OS-level pickers determine which file sources and types are displayed (Camera, Photo Library, Files, etc.). Pega Platform cannot modify or filter the options presented by these native OS components.

Solution

No Pega Platform configuration, Dynamic System Setting (DSS) , or control property exists to restrict which file types appear in the native OS picker. 

To implement such a restriction in a supported and maintainable manner, it is advisable to engage with Pega's consultation team and the Expert Circles on the Pega Forum to explore possible design approaches or customizations.  

References

Attaching content to a Case 

How to restrict File Attachments by file type