Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you tin employ to store your own documents and those of other people. Yous can then admission these files on any device. We'll have a wait at how you can invite people to ship you files, every bit well as what this means for your Dropbox feel.

In some cases, Dropbox is non your best option 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 can request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This feature is useful if you want to collect files for work purposes, for schoolhouse competitions, or for any other use case where yous can ship 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 cadre 'share' functionality instead.

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

ane. Cull 'File requests' from the Dropbox side bill of fare

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Transport 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. Y'all tin can as well copy and paste an upload link. You tin can't, however, embed a file request in your website.

You besides can't customise the link itself. Dropbox brand it possible for business and professional users to brand straight sharing invitations. This doesn't seem to be the case for file requests. This may exist because file requests is a basic feature available to users on all plans.

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

When you transport a file asking to someone, you need to specify which binder you'll use for uploaded files. This might mean creating a new binder earlier you send a file asking.

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

Y'all volition 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 will exist annoying for them!

When y'all kickoff using file requests you volition exist able to go on rails of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

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

Best utilize cases for Dropbox file requests

Dropbox file requests is a useful although bones characteristic. It is ideal for requesting files from your contacts, whether or non they have a Dropbox account.

You can run into what file requests you have sent, who has submitted files (their names at least), and how many files they accept sent.

Here are some sample apply cases:

  • A teacher requesting 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 asking very large files you lot'll need a business concern account – the file size limit then increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you need to ask for whatsoever extra information then you only take the 'Description' field and accompanying bulletin to use. There is no Dropbox form builder.
  • If y'all want more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you lot want to customise and brand the file collection procedure 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 and so you 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 culling, 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, only oft struggle to brand collecting and organising files easy for y'all.

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

This file upload course was created using File Asking Pro.

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

You can as well schedule 'smart' reminder emails and so you lot don't have to manually chase clients yourself.

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

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

File Asking Pro: The business organisation alternative to Dropbox File Asking

File Asking Pro is piece of cake to apply 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 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

See File Request Pro product overview.