Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can use to store your ain documents and those of other people. Y'all can and then admission these files on any device. We'll have a expect at how you lot can invite people to ship y'all files, also every bit 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)

Y'all can asking files from people external to your organization using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if you desire to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use case where you tin 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, use the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Ship the file request using someone'due south 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 send a file asking to people from your Dropbox account. Y'all can also copy and paste an upload link. Yous tin can't, even so, embed a file request in your website.

You also 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 considering 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, y'all need to specify which folder y'all'll employ for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new folder earlier y'all ship a file request.

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

You will demand plenty room in your Dropbox account to receive files all the same. If yous don't have enough infinite, then file request recipients will become an fault message – which volition exist annoying for them!

When you kickoff using file requests you will be able to continue track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You lot can nevertheless encounter all closed file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

Best use 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 non they accept a Dropbox account.

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

Here are some sample use 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 you:

  • If yous need to request very large files you lot'll need a business account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you need to ask for any extra information then you only accept the 'Description' field and accompanying message to utilise. 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 procedure y'all tin'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 yous probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't accept a file request characteristic in whatever case.

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 offering an easy user experience for sending files, but ofttimes struggle to make collecting and organising files piece of cake for yous.

File upload software is a proficient option for businesses. Yous volition be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the data you demand in a professional manner.

This file upload class was created using File Request Pro.

Clients don't need an account or even a password/pin lawmaking.

You can besides schedule 'smart' reminder emails so you don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

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

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

File Asking Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without whatever of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including email
  • Automate time-consuming file collection tasks
  • White characterization your file upload form rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload form in your website or create a standalone folio

See File Request Pro product overview.