Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin can use to store your own documents and those of other people. You tin and then admission these files on any device. Nosotros'll accept a look at how you can invite people to transport you files, as well as 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 cursory guide to alternatives.

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

You lot tin request files from people external to your system 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 y'all tin 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 asking feature:

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send the file asking using someone'due south e-mail 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 lot can send a file asking to people from your Dropbox business relationship. Yous can also copy and paste an upload link. You tin't, notwithstanding, embed a file request in your website.

You also tin can't customise the link itself. Dropbox make information technology possible for business and professional users to brand straight sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the case for file requests. This may be considering file requests is a basic feature bachelor to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

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

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

When you showtime using file requests you will be able to keep track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You tin can all the same see all airtight file requests in Dropbox by 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 business relationship.

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

Here are some sample utilise cases:

  • A teacher requesting work from students
  • A family requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-profit squad fellow member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file asking characteristic has a few limitations which may make information technology unsuitable for you:

  • If y'all need to asking very large files yous'll need a business account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you need to ask for any extra information and then you only have the 'Clarification' field and accompanying bulletin to use. At that place is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If you want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you lot want to customise and brand the file collection process you can't with Dropbox. The file request process is actually designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If you are looking for an alternative then you probably want 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 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, simply oftentimes struggle to brand collecting and organising files easy for you.

File upload software is a adept pick for businesses. You will exist able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the data you need in a professional way.

This file upload class was created using File Request Pro.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Collect actress information from your clients, including email
  • Automate fourth dimension-consuming file drove tasks
  • White label your file upload grade rather than promote Dropbox
  • Receive large files in your Dropbox business relationship
  • Embed the upload form in your website or create a standalone page

Meet File Request Pro product overview.