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

In some cases, Dropbox is not your all-time choice 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 tin 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 whatsoever other utilize case where you tin send a link.

Dropbox file request is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If you lot desire to share files with other people, utilise 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 menu

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send the file request 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

You can send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You lot can as well copy and paste an upload link. You can't, nonetheless, embed a file asking in your website.

You also can't customise the link itself. Dropbox brand it possible for business and professional users to brand direct sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the instance for file requests. This may be considering file requests is a basic feature bachelor to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox business relationship

When you 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 earlier you send a file asking.

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

You lot will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If y'all don't accept enough space, then file request recipients will go an error message – which will be annoying for them!

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

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Later on your project is complete (managing and closing file requests)

If y'all want to change a file request select the ellipses (…) later on the file request and cull 'Edit'. If you want to close a file asking select the ellipses (…) and choose 'Close'.

You tin nonetheless see 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 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 lot have sent, who has submitted files (their names at to the lowest degree), and how many files they accept sent.

Here are some sample use 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 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 you:

  • If you need to request very big files y'all'll need a business concern account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you demand to enquire for any extra information so you merely have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to use. There is no Dropbox grade architect.
  • If you lot desire more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you desire to customise and make the file collection process you can't with Dropbox. The file asking 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 have a file request feature in whatsoever case.

File transfer services could be an culling, 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 ofttimes struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you.

File upload software is a practiced option for businesses. You volition exist 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 even a password/pin lawmaking.

Yous can likewise schedule 'smart' reminder emails so y'all don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

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

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

File Request Pro: The business culling to Dropbox File Asking

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

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

See File Request Pro product overview.