Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can use to store your own documents and those of other people. You tin and then access these files on any device. We'll take a wait at how you tin can invite people to send you files, besides as what this means for your Dropbox feel.

In some cases, Dropbox is not your best pick for collecting and organising files from other people. Nosotros'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 can request files from people external to your arrangement using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if yous desire to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other utilize instance where y'all can transport 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, apply the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

three. Send the file asking using someone's e-mail 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

Y'all tin send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You can likewise copy and paste an upload link. You can't, however, embed a file asking in your website.

Y'all likewise can't customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business 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 you send a file request to someone, you demand to specify which folder you lot'll utilise for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new binder before yous send a file request.

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file asking cannot admission your Dropbox account. 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 even so. If you don't accept enough space, and then file request recipients will get an fault message – which will be annoying for them!

When you start using file requests yous volition be able to go along runway of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Later your projection is consummate (managing and closing file requests)

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

You tin can still run across all closed file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Airtight' tab.

Best employ 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 take a Dropbox account.

You lot can run across 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 apply cases:

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

When Dropbox file requests is non suitable

The Dropbox file request feature has a few limitations which may get in unsuitable for you:

  • If you need to request very large files yous'll need a business account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If y'all need to ask for any extra data and so you only take the 'Description' field and accompanying message to use. In that location is no Dropbox form architect.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection procedure you can'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 so you probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't accept a file request feature in any case.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd demand 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 piece of cake user experience for sending files, but often struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you lot.

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

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

Clients don't demand an business relationship or fifty-fifty a password/pin code.

You can as well schedule 'smart' reminder emails so you don't take 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 unremarkably require clients to log in, which can exist off-putting (although secure).

File Asking Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Asking 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 any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including email
  • Automate fourth dimension-consuming file collection tasks
  • White characterization your file upload grade 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.