Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin can utilize to store your ain documents and those of other people. You can so access these files on any device. We'll have a await at how yous can invite people to send yous files, as well equally what this means for your Dropbox experience.

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

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

You lot can request files from people external to your system using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if you desire to collect files for work purposes, for schoolhouse competitions, or for any other use case where you tin send 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, use the cadre 'share' functionality instead.

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

1. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side carte

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Ship the file request using someone'due south email accost or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

4. Your recipient receives a request for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

You can send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You can besides copy and paste an upload link. You can't, notwithstanding, embed a file asking in your website.

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

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

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

Yous will demand enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you don't have plenty space, then file request recipients will get an fault message – which will be abrasive for them!

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

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You can still see all closed file requests in Dropbox past using the 'Airtight' tab.

Best use cases for Dropbox file requests

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

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

  • If you need to request very large files you'll demand a business organization account – the file size limit and then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you lot need to ask for any extra information then y'all only take the 'Description' field and accompanying bulletin to utilise. There is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If you lot want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection procedure y'all tin can't with Dropbox. The file request process is really designed to promote Dropbox rather than your concern.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If you are looking for an culling then you probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't take a file request characteristic in any instance.

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

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

File upload software is a practiced selection for businesses. Yous 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 Request Pro.

Clients don't need an business relationship or fifty-fifty a countersign/pivot code.

Y'all can likewise schedule 'smart' reminder emails 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 as well as vice versa.

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

File Asking Pro: The business culling to Dropbox File Asking

File Request Pro is piece of cake to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You tin can accept all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including email
  • Automate fourth dimension-consuming file drove tasks
  • White characterization your file upload form rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox business relationship
  • Embed the upload form in your website or create a standalone page

Encounter File Request Pro product overview.