Dropbox is a pop file hosting service that you can use to store your own documents and those of other people. Yous can then access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how you lot can invite people to send yous files, also 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 cursory 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 system using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if yous want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use example where you can transport a link.

Dropbox file request is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If you lot want to share files with other people, employ the cadre 'share' functionality instead.

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

1. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side bill of fare

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send the file asking using someone'due south e-mail accost or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

4. Your recipient receives a asking for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

You can transport a file request to people from your Dropbox account. Yous tin also copy and paste an upload link. Yous can't, still, embed a file asking in your website.

Y'all also tin can't customise the link itself. Dropbox make information technology 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 considering file requests is a bones characteristic available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

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

You will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files even so. If y'all don't take plenty space, then file asking recipients will get an mistake message – which will exist abrasive for them!

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

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

If y'all want to modify a file request select the ellipses (…) subsequently the file request and choose 'Edit'. If you desire to close a file request select the ellipses (…) and cull 'Close'.

You tin can withal run into all closed file requests in Dropbox by 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 have a Dropbox account.

You tin can run into what file requests you accept sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they have sent.

Here are some sample employ 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 request feature has a few limitations which may make it unsuitable for yous:

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

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

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

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to discover i 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 selection for businesses. You will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the data you need in a professional mode.

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

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

You tin as well schedule 'smart' reminder emails and so you don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

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

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

File Request Pro: The business culling to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. Y'all can accept all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including electronic mail
  • Automate time-consuming file collection tasks
  • White label 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

Come across File Request Pro product overview.