Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin use to store your own documents and those of other people. You tin then access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how you tin invite people to ship you files, every bit well as what this means for your Dropbox feel.

In some cases, Dropbox is not your best selection for collecting and organising files from other people. We'll encompass these circumstances, including a brief guide to alternatives.

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

Y'all tin request files from people external to your arrangement using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if yous desire to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for whatsoever other apply instance where y'all can send a link.

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

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

ane. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side menu

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

two. Select 'New Request', fill up in the form fields and cull a binder for uploaded files

Example of Dropbox file request

three. Send the file request using someone'due south e-mail address or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

four. Your recipient receives a request for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

You tin send a file request to people from your Dropbox business relationship. You can as well re-create and paste an upload link. You can't, all the same, embed a file request in your website.

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

Receiving files in your Dropbox business relationship

When yous transport a file request to someone, you need to specify which binder yous'll use for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new folder before you send a file asking.

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

You will need enough room in your Dropbox business relationship to receive files yet. If you don't take enough space, then file request recipients will go an error message – which will be abrasive for them!

When you lot start using file requests you will exist able to keep rail of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

If you desire to alter a file request select the ellipses (…) after the file request and choose 'Edit'. If you want to close a file request select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

You lot can all the same run into all airtight file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

Best utilize 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 non they have a Dropbox account.

Y'all can see what file requests you take sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they accept sent.

Here are some sample use cases:

  • A teacher requesting work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A mag editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-profit team member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file asking characteristic has a few limitations which may make information technology unsuitable for you:

  • If you need to asking very large files you'll demand a business business relationship – the file size limit and then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you demand to ask for any extra information then you only have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to use. At that place is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If you want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If y'all want to customise and make the file collection procedure you can't with Dropbox. The file asking process is really designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If you lot are looking for an culling so you lot probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't have a file request feature in any example.

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

The downside of file transfer services is they offer an easy user feel for sending files, but oft struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you.

File upload software is a good option for businesses. You volition be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you need in a professional way.

This file upload form was created using File Asking Pro.

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

You can too schedule 'smart' reminder emails so you don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

Client interaction hubsare useful if yous demand specialist features, and desire to share files with clients also as vice versa.

Client interaction hubs commonly crave clients to log in, which tin can be off-putting (although secure).

File Request Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. Yous can have all the advantages of Dropbox without whatsoever of the disadvantages.

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

See File Request Pro product overview.