Dropbox is a pop file hosting service that you can apply to shop your own documents and those of other people. You can and so access these files on any device. Nosotros'll have a await at how you can invite people to ship you files, as well equally what this means for your Dropbox experience.

In some cases, Dropbox is not your best pick for collecting and organising files from other people. We'll embrace 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 can request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if you desire to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for whatever other use example 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, utilize the cadre 'share' functionality instead.

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

1. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side bill of fare

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'due south email 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 can also copy and paste an upload link. You lot tin can't, all the same, embed a file request in your website.

You too can't customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business and professional users to brand directly 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 yous send a file request to someone, you demand to specify which binder you'll employ for uploaded files. This might hateful creating a new folder before yous send a file request.

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

You will demand plenty room in your Dropbox business relationship to receive files however. If you don't have plenty infinite, then file asking recipients will get an mistake message – which will be annoying for them!

When y'all start using file requests you will exist able to keep track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You can still see all closed file requests in Dropbox past using the 'Airtight' 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 take a Dropbox account.

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

Hither are some sample use cases:

  • A instructor requesting work from students
  • A family unit requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine 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 asking characteristic has a few limitations which may go far unsuitable for you lot:

  • If y'all need to request very large files yous'll need a business organization account – the file size limit so increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If yous need to ask for any extra information and so yous only have the 'Clarification' field and accompanying message to utilize. There is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you desire to customise and brand the file collection process you 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 then you probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't accept a file asking feature in whatever case.

File transfer services could exist an culling, although you'd need to discover 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, simply often struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you.

File upload software is a good option for businesses. Y'all will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the data you need in a professional style.

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

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

You tin can also schedule 'smart' reminder emails and then you don't accept to manually chase clients yourself.

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

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

File Request Pro: The business culling to Dropbox File Asking

File Asking Pro is piece of cake to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You lot can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

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

See File Asking Pro product overview.