Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that y'all tin can use to store your own documents and those of other people. You can then admission these files on whatever device. We'll have a look at how you lot can invite people to send you files, as well as what this means for your Dropbox feel.

In some cases, Dropbox is non your best selection for collecting and organising files from other people. We'll comprehend these circumstances, including a brief guide to alternatives.

How to upload files to Dropbox (from guests, clients, vendors, or members of the public)

You tin can request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if yous want to collect files for piece of work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other apply case where you tin ship a link.

Dropbox file request is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If you want to share files with other people, utilize the cadre 'share' functionality instead.

Here is a quick guide to using the Dropbox file request feature:

1. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side bill of fare

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

2. Select 'New Request', fill in the form fields and choose a folder for uploaded files

Example of Dropbox file request

iii. Send the file request using someone's email address or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

iv. Your recipient receives a request for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

Yous tin can send a file asking to people from your Dropbox account. You tin besides re-create and paste an upload link. You tin't, however, embed a file asking in your website.

You also tin't customise the link itself. Dropbox make information technology possible for business and professional users to brand straight sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the case for file requests. This may be because file requests is a bones feature available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

When y'all send a file request to someone, you need to specify which folder you lot'll apply for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new folder before yous send a file asking.

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file asking cannot access your Dropbox business relationship. They also can't view other files in that folder, unless you decide to share them.

You will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you lot don't have plenty space, then file request recipients will become an error bulletin – which will be annoying for them!

When you lot starting time using file requests yous will be able to keep rails of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Afterward your project is complete (managing and closing file requests)

If you lot want to change a file request select the ellipses (…) after the file request and choose 'Edit'. If yous want to close a file asking select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

You tin can withal see all closed file requests in Dropbox past using the 'Closed' tab.

All-time apply cases for Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests is a useful although basic feature. It is ideal for requesting files from your contacts, whether or not they have a Dropbox account.

You lot can see what file requests you take sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they have sent.

Here are some sample use cases:

  • A teacher requesting work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A not-profit team fellow member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file request feature has a few limitations which may make it unsuitable for yous:

  • If yous need to request very big files you'll need a business business relationship – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you lot demand to enquire for whatsoever actress data and so you simply take the 'Clarification' field and accompanying message to use. At that place is no Dropbox grade builder.
  • If you want more than options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection process you can't with Dropbox. The file request process is really designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business organisation.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If you are looking for an alternative then yous probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't take a file request feature in whatsoever case.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to find 1 that integrated with Dropbox. They specialise in the fast transfer of big files.

The downside of file transfer services is they offering an easy user experience for sending files, only often struggle to make collecting and organising files like shooting fish in a barrel for y'all.

File upload software is a good selection for businesses. Yous will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you demand in a professional person mode.

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

Clients don't need an account or even a password/pin lawmaking.

You can also schedule 'smart' reminder emails and then you don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

Customer interaction hubsare useful if you need specialist features, and want to share files with clients also as vice versa.

Customer interaction hubs normally require clients to log in, which can be off-putting (although secure).

File Request Pro: The business organization culling to Dropbox File Asking

File Asking Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including email
  • Automate time-consuming file drove tasks
  • White label your file upload course rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload grade in your website or create a standalone page

See File Request Pro product overview.