Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can utilise to shop your own documents and those of other people. You lot can then access these files on any device. We'll take a look at how you tin can invite people to transport y'all 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. We'll comprehend these circumstances, including a brief guide to alternatives.

How to upload files to Dropbox (from guests, clients, vendors, or members of the public)

You lot can asking files from people external to your arrangement using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if you lot desire to collect files for work purposes, for schoolhouse competitions, or for any other apply example where you tin can send a link.

Dropbox file asking is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If you want to share files with other people, utilize the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

one. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side menu

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

iii. Send the file request using someone'southward e-mail 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 can send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You lot can besides copy and paste an upload link. You can't, however, embed a file request in your website.

You besides can't customise the link itself. Dropbox brand information technology possible for business concern and professional users to brand straight 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 ship a file request to someone, you need to specify which folder you'll use for uploaded files. This might hateful creating a new folder before you send a file asking.

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file request cannot access your Dropbox business relationship. They likewise can't view other files in that binder, unless you make up one's mind to share them.

Y'all will need plenty room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you don't have enough space, and then file request recipients will get an mistake message – which will exist annoying for them!

When y'all start using file requests you volition be able to continue track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Afterward your project is complete (managing and closing file requests)

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

You can still see 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 not they accept a Dropbox account.

Y'all can see what file requests you have sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they take sent.

Hither are some sample use cases:

  • A instructor requesting work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A mag editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-turn a profit team fellow member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not 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 you lot'll need a concern account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If y'all demand to ask for whatever actress information so you lot simply have the 'Description' field and accompanying bulletin to use. In that location is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection process y'all can'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 culling and then you probably desire something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Bulldoze, which doesn't have a file request characteristic in any case.

File transfer services could exist an culling, although yous'd need 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 easy user experience for sending files, only frequently struggle to make collecting and organising files like shooting fish in a barrel for you.

File upload software is a skillful selection for businesses. Yous volition be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you demand in a professional person fashion.

This file upload grade was created using File Request Pro.

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

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

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

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

File Request Pro: The business concern alternative to Dropbox File Request

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

  • Collect actress data from your clients, including e-mail
  • Automate time-consuming file collection tasks
  • White label 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 page

Meet File Request Pro product overview.