Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you lot can utilize to store your own documents and those of other people. You can then access these files on whatever device. We'll have a look at how you lot tin can invite people to send you files, as well as 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 tin can asking files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if y'all desire to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use case where y'all can ship 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, use the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

one. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side carte du jour

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

iii. Ship the file request using someone's email address 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 tin can send a file asking to people from your Dropbox account. You can also copy and paste an upload link. You can't, however, embed a file request in your website.

Yous also tin't customise the link itself. Dropbox arrive 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 characteristic available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file request cannot access your Dropbox account. They likewise 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 don't have enough space, then file asking recipients will get an error bulletin – which will exist annoying for them!

When you start using file requests you will be able to go on runway 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 (…) after the file request and choose 'Edit'. If you want to close a file request select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

Y'all can nonetheless see all airtight file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

All-time 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 not they have 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 accept sent.

Here are some sample apply cases:

  • A instructor requesting piece of work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-profit squad member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

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

  • If you need to request very big files you'll need a business account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you demand to ask for whatsoever extra information then you simply have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to use. There is no Dropbox course architect.
  • If you desire more than options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection process y'all can't with Dropbox. The file request procedure 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 any example.

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

File upload software is a good choice for businesses. You will 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 demand an account or even a countersign/pin code.

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

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

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

File Request Pro: The business organisation alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is like shooting fish in a barrel to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without whatsoever of the disadvantages.

  • Collect actress information from your clients, including electronic mail
  • Automate time-consuming file collection tasks
  • White characterization your file upload class rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload course in your website or create a standalone page

See File Request Pro production overview.