Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin can use to store your ain documents and those of other people. You can then access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how you can invite people to send you files, also as what this ways for your Dropbox experience.

In some cases, Dropbox is non your all-time 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 tin request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if you want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use case where you can send a link.

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

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

1. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side card

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Ship the file request using someone's 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 transport a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You can likewise copy and paste an upload link. Yous tin can't, however, embed a file request in your website.

You lot too can't customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business organization and professional users to brand direct sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the case for file requests. This may be because file requests is a basic feature available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

When y'all send a file request to someone, you demand to specify which folder you'll use for uploaded files. This might hateful creating a new folder before you lot send a file asking.

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

You will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you don't have enough infinite, and then file request recipients volition get an mistake message – which volition be annoying for them!

When you offset using file requests yous 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 you want to alter a file request select the ellipses (…) later the file request and cull 'Edit'. If you desire to close a file asking select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

You tin can still meet all airtight file requests in Dropbox past using the 'Closed' tab.

Best utilize cases for Dropbox file requests

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

You can see what file requests you take sent, who has submitted files (their names at to the lowest degree), 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 non-profit team member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file asking feature has a few limitations which may brand it unsuitable for you:

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

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

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

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you lot'd demand to notice i 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 experience for sending files, just often struggle to make collecting and organising files like shooting fish in a barrel for you.

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

This file upload form was created using File Asking Pro.

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

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

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

Customer interaction hubs usually crave clients to log in, which 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. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including email
  • Automate fourth dimension-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 page

See File Request Pro product overview.