Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin can utilize to store your ain documents and those of other people. You can then access these files on whatever device. We'll have a look at how yous can invite people to send you files, also 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 cover 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 request files from people external to your organization using Dropbox File Asking. This characteristic is useful if you want to collect files for work purposes, for schoolhouse competitions, or for any other use case where you can send a link.

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

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

ii. Select 'New Request', fill up in the class fields and cull a folder for uploaded files

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Send the file request using someone's 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 tin can likewise re-create and paste an upload link. Y'all can't, notwithstanding, embed a file asking in your website.

You lot likewise tin't customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business and professional person users to make direct sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the example for file requests. This may be because file requests is a bones feature available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox business relationship

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

In terms of security, people who upload files to your file request cannot access your Dropbox account. They besides 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 however. If you don't have enough infinite, then file request recipients will become an mistake message – which will be annoying for them!

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

Manage file requests from the dashboard

Later on your projection is complete (managing and endmost file requests)

If y'all want to change a file request select the ellipses (…) subsequently the file request and choose 'Edit'. If you desire to close a file request select the ellipses (…) and cull 'Shut'.

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

All-time use cases for Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests is a useful although bones feature. It is platonic for requesting files from your contacts, whether or not they have a Dropbox account.

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

Here are some sample use cases:

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

When Dropbox file requests is non suitable

The Dropbox file asking characteristic has a few limitations which may arrive unsuitable for you:

  • If you demand to request very big files you'll need a business organization account – the file size limit and then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you lot need to enquire for any actress data then you lot just have the 'Clarification' field and accompanying message to utilize. There is no Dropbox grade builder.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file drove process you can't with Dropbox. The file request procedure is actually designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

If y'all are looking for an culling then you probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Bulldoze, which doesn't take a file asking feature in any example.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to find ane that integrated with Dropbox. They specialise in the fast transfer of big files.

The downside of file transfer services is they offering an piece of cake user experience for sending files, merely often struggle to make collecting and organising files piece of cake for yous.

File upload software is a good pick for businesses. Yous volition be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you demand in a professional person way.

This file upload course was created using File Asking Pro.

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

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

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

Customer interaction hubs usually crave 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 piece of cake to utilize file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.

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

See File Request Pro product overview.