Dropbox is a pop file hosting service that you can utilise to store your own documents and those of other people. Yous can so admission these files on any device. Nosotros'll take a look at how you can invite people to send y'all files, as well as what this ways for your Dropbox feel.

In some cases, Dropbox is not your all-time choice for collecting and organising files from other people. We'll encompass these circumstances, including a brief guide to alternatives.

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

You can asking files from people external to your organization using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if y'all want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use case where you can 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, use the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

i. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side carte

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

2. Select 'New Asking', fill in the form fields and choose a binder for uploaded files

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send the file request 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 can send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You can besides copy and paste an upload link. You can't, nonetheless, 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 exist the instance for file requests. This may be because file requests is a basic characteristic available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

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

You will need enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files even so. If you don't take plenty space, then file request recipients volition get an fault message – which volition be annoying for them!

When you first using file requests you will be able to proceed runway of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

You tin still see all closed file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' 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 non they take a Dropbox account.

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

Here are some sample use cases:

  • A teacher requesting piece of work from students
  • A family unit requesting photos from relatives
  • A magazine editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A non-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 make it unsuitable for you:

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

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

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

File transfer services could be an culling, although yous'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 piece of cake user experience for sending files, but ofttimes struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you.

File upload software is a good selection for businesses. You lot will exist able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you need in a professional mode.

This file upload form was created using File Asking Pro.

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

Yous tin also schedule 'smart' reminder emails and so yous don't have to manually hunt clients yourself.

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

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

File Request Pro: The concern alternative to Dropbox File Asking

File Asking Pro is piece of cake to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You tin take all the advantages of Dropbox without whatever of the disadvantages.

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

Run across File Asking Pro production overview.