Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can utilize 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 look at how you can invite people to transport yous files, as well equally what this ways for your Dropbox experience.

In some cases, Dropbox is non your best choice for collecting and organising files from other people. We'll cover 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 organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if you want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use case where you can send a link.

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

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

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

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

iii. Send the file asking 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 can send a file asking to people from your Dropbox account. You can also copy and paste an upload link. You tin can't, even so, embed a file asking in your website.

Y'all also tin't customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business organisation and professional users to make straight sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the instance for file requests. This may be because file requests is a basic feature available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox business relationship

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

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file request cannot admission your Dropbox business relationship. They as well can't view other files in that folder, unless you lot decide to share them.

You will demand plenty room in your Dropbox account to receive files still. If y'all don't have enough space, and so file request recipients will get an error message – which volition exist abrasive for them!

When you start using file requests yous will be able to continue rails of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You can still see all airtight file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

Best apply cases for Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests is a useful although basic feature. Information technology is platonic for requesting files from your contacts, whether or not they accept a Dropbox account.

You can see what file requests you have sent, who has submitted files (their names at to the lowest degree), 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 not-profit squad member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file request feature has a few limitations which may arrive unsuitable for y'all:

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

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If you are looking for an alternative then you probably desire something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't have a file request feature in any instance.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to detect 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, simply often struggle to brand collecting and organising files easy for you lot.

File upload software is a good choice for businesses. You will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information yous need in a professional way.

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

Clients don't need an business relationship or even a password/pivot code.

You can likewise schedule 'smart' reminder emails 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 as well as vice versa.

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

File Asking Pro: The business organization alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is like shooting fish in a barrel to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

  • Collect actress 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 grade in your website or create a standalone page

Run across File Request Pro product overview.