Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can use to shop your own documents and those of other people. You lot tin and then access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how yous can invite people to send y'all files, as well equally what this means for your Dropbox experience.

In some cases, Dropbox is not your all-time choice for collecting and organising files from other people. Nosotros'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 can asking files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if you lot want to collect files for piece of work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other utilise case where you can send a link.

Dropbox file request is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If y'all want to share files with other people, utilise the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send 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 lot can transport 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.

You lot besides can't customise the link itself. Dropbox arrive 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 y'all send a file request to someone, you demand to specify which folder you'll use for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new binder earlier you send a file request.

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

You will need plenty room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you don't have enough infinite, so file asking recipients will become an error message – which volition be annoying for them!

When y'all start 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 y'all desire to change a file asking select the ellipses (…) after the file asking and choose 'Edit'. If you want to close a file request select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

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

All-time 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 can see what file requests you have sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they have sent.

Here are some sample employ cases:

  • A instructor requesting work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-turn a 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 information technology unsuitable for you:

  • If you need to request very big files yous'll need a business account – the file size limit so increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you need to ask for any extra information so y'all just accept the 'Clarification' field and accompanying message to utilise. There is no Dropbox grade builder.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If yous want to customise and brand the file collection process yous can't with Dropbox. The file request procedure is actually designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

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

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to find ane 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 easy for you.

File upload software is a good selection for businesses. Y'all 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 demand an account or fifty-fifty a password/pivot code.

You can also schedule 'smart' reminder emails so 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 every bit vice versa.

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

File Request Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Asking Pro is easy to utilise file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You tin accept all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect actress data from your clients, including email
  • Automate fourth dimension-consuming file collection tasks
  • White label your file upload grade rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload course in your website or create a standalone page

Encounter File Request Pro production overview.