Dropbox is a pop file hosting service that you lot can use to shop your own documents and those of other people. You tin then access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how you lot can invite people to send you files, also equally what this means 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)

You lot can request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Asking. This feature is useful if yous want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for whatsoever 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, apply the core 'share' functionality instead.

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

one. Choose 'File requests' from the Dropbox side bill of fare

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

2. Select 'New Asking', make full in the form fields and choose a folder for uploaded files

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Ship the file asking using someone's 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

Y'all can send a file request to people from your Dropbox business relationship. You lot can also re-create and paste an upload link. You tin can't, yet, embed a file request in your website.

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

Receiving files in your Dropbox business relationship

When you lot send a file asking to someone, yous need to specify which folder you'll utilise for uploaded files. This might hateful 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 business relationship. They also can't view other files in that folder, unless you determine to share them.

You will demand enough room in your Dropbox account to receive files all the same. If you don't have enough infinite, then file request recipients will go an mistake message – which will be annoying for them!

When you lot start using file requests you will exist able to keep track of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

Yous can still see all closed file requests in Dropbox by using the 'Closed' tab.

Best employ cases for Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests is a useful although basic characteristic. Information technology is ideal for requesting files from your contacts, whether or non they accept a Dropbox account.

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

Hither are some sample use cases:

  • A teacher requesting work from students
  • A family unit requesting photos from relatives
  • A mag editor collecting files from a freelancer
  • A not-turn a profit team member organising files from volunteers

When Dropbox file requests is not suitable

The Dropbox file request feature has a few limitations which may make information technology unsuitable for y'all:

  • If you need to asking very large files you'll demand a business concern account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you need to enquire for any extra information then you lot only have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to apply. In that location is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If you want more than options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you want to customise and brand the file collection procedure 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 lot are looking for an culling so you lot probably want something that natively integrates with Dropbox. This rules out Google Drive, which doesn't take a file request feature in any case.

File transfer services could be an alternative, although you'd need to find 1 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, but often struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you lot.

File upload software is a skillful option for businesses. You lot will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information y'all need in a professional way.

This file upload form was created using File Asking Pro.

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

You can too schedule 'smart' reminder emails and then y'all don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

Customer interaction hubsare useful if yous need specialist features, and desire to share files with clients besides every bit vice versa.

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

File Request Pro: The concern culling to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. Y'all tin take all the advantages of Dropbox without whatever of the disadvantages.

  • Collect extra data from your clients, including e-mail
  • Automate time-consuming file collection 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 folio

Encounter File Request Pro production overview.