Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that y'all can employ to shop your ain documents and those of other people. Y'all tin and so access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how yous tin invite people to ship y'all files, as well as 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 brief guide to alternatives.

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

Yous can request files from people external to your organization using Dropbox File Asking. This feature is useful if yous want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other utilise example where yous can send a link.

Dropbox file asking is specifically aimed at Dropbox users wanting to collect files from other people. If y'all desire to share files with other people, use the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

ane. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side carte du jour

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

3. Send the file asking using someone'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. Y'all tin also copy and paste an upload link. You can't, yet, embed a file request in your website.

You lot too tin't customise the link itself. Dropbox get in possible for business and professional users to brand direct 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 business relationship

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

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

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

When you showtime using file requests you lot 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 you want to modify 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 cull 'Close'.

You can all the same see all closed file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

All-time utilise 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 have a Dropbox account.

You 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 apply cases:

  • A instructor requesting piece of work from students
  • A family unit requesting photos from relatives
  • A mag editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-profit team 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 lot'll need a concern account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If y'all need to ask for whatsoever extra information then you just accept the 'Description' field and accompanying message to apply. At that place 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 lot tin'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 and then you probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Bulldoze, which doesn't have a file request feature in any instance.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although yous'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, merely often struggle to make collecting and organising files piece of cake for y'all.

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

This file upload form was created using File Request Pro.

Clients don't demand an business relationship or even a password/pin lawmaking.

You can besides schedule 'smart' reminder emails so you lot don't take 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 can exist off-putting (although secure).

File Request Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File Request

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

  • Collect extra information from your clients, including e-mail
  • Automate time-consuming file collection tasks
  • White characterization 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 production overview.