Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that yous can use to store your ain documents and those of other people. Y'all can so access these files on any device. We'll have a look at how you can invite people to transport you files, besides every bit what this means for your Dropbox experience.

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 cursory guide to alternatives.

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

You tin can request files from people external to your organisation using Dropbox File Request. This characteristic is useful if you want to collect files for work purposes, for school competitions, or for any other use example where yous tin 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.

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

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

Dropbox file request link on the side menu

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

Example of Dropbox file request

3. Ship the file request using someone's electronic mail accost or the upload link

Sharing the Dropbox file request by email or using a link

four. Your recipient receives a request for files

Limitations of the Dropbox upload link

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

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

Receiving files in your Dropbox account

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

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

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

When yous get-go using file requests you will be able to proceed rails of them in Dropbox.

Manage file requests from the dashboard

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

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

Y'all can nevertheless come across all closed file requests in Dropbox past 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 not they take a Dropbox account.

Y'all tin can run into what file requests yous 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 work from students
  • A family 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 characteristic has a few limitations which may make it unsuitable for you:

  • If you demand to request very large files you'll need a concern account – the file size limit and so increases to 50GB from 2GB
  • If you lot demand to enquire for any extra information and then yous only have the 'Description' field and accompanying message to employ. There is no Dropbox grade builder.
  • If you desire more options in terms of renaming and organising files
  • If you lot want to customise and brand the file collection process you tin't with Dropbox. The file request procedure is really designed to promote Dropbox rather than your business concern.

Alternatives to Dropbox file requests

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

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

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

File upload software is a good option for businesses. You volition be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information y'all need in a professional fashion.

This file upload form was created using File Asking Pro.

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

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

Client interaction hubsare useful if you lot need specialist features, and want to share files with clients also equally vice versa.

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

File Asking Pro: The concern alternative to Dropbox File Request

File Request Pro is like shooting fish in a barrel to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. Yous tin have all the advantages of Dropbox without whatsoever 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 big files in your Dropbox account
  • Embed the upload form in your website or create a standalone page

See File Asking Pro product overview.