Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you lot tin use to store your ain documents and those of other people. You can then access these files on any device. Nosotros'll have a expect at how you can invite people to ship you files, as well as what this ways 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 cursory guide to alternatives.

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

Y'all tin can request files from people external to your arrangement using Dropbox File Asking. This feature is useful if you lot want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other employ case where y'all 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, utilise the cadre 'share' functionality instead.

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

three. Transport the file asking using someone's electronic mail address or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

iv. Your recipient receives a asking for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

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

You also can't customise the link itself. Dropbox brand it possible for business and professional users to make direct sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the case for file requests. This may exist because file requests is a bones characteristic bachelor to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

When you ship a file request to someone, you demand to specify which folder you'll utilize for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new folder before you send a file asking.

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file request cannot admission your Dropbox account. They likewise tin can't view other files in that folder, unless y'all decide to share them.

Yous will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files however. If you don't have plenty space, and then file asking recipients will get an error message – which will be abrasive for them!

When you beginning using file requests y'all volition be able to go along track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Afterward your projection is complete (managing and endmost file requests)

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

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

All-time 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 business relationship.

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 unit requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A not-profit team fellow member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file asking feature has a few limitations which may make it unsuitable for you lot:

  • If you demand to request very large files you'll demand a business organisation account – the file size limit and so increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you demand to inquire for whatever extra information then y'all only have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to utilise. At that place is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If you desire more than options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and make the file collection process y'all 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 and so you lot probably desire something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't have a file request feature in whatsoever instance.

File transfer services could exist an alternative, although you'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 offering an like shooting fish in a barrel user experience for sending files, only often struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for y'all.

File upload software is a expert option for businesses. You lot will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you need in a professional person fashion.

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Collect extra data from your clients, including email
  • Automate time-consuming file drove tasks
  • White label your file upload course rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive big files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload class in your website or create a standalone folio

See File Request Pro product overview.