Dropbox is a popular file hosting service that you can use to store your own documents and those of other people. You can then access these files on any device. We’ll have a look at how you can invite people to send you files, as well as what this means for your Dropbox experience. In some cases, Dropbox is not your best choice for collecting and organising files from other people. We’ll cover these circumstances,
including a brief guide to alternatives. 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 school 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
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: 3. Send the file request using someone’s email address or the upload link4. Your recipient receives a request for filesLimitations of the Dropbox upload linkYou can send a file request to people from your Dropbox account. You can also copy and paste an upload link. You can’t, however, embed a file request in your website. You also can’t customise the link itself. Dropbox make it possible for business and professional users to brand direct sharing invitations. This doesn’t seem to be the case for file requests. This may be because file requests is a basic feature available to users on all plans. Receiving files in your Dropbox accountWhen 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 you send 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 you decide to share them. You will need enough 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 be annoying for them! When you start using file requests you will be able to keep track of them in Dropbox. After your project is complete (managing and closing file requests)If you want to change a file request select the ellipses (…) after the file request and choose ‘Edit’. If you want 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 use cases for Dropbox file requestsDropbox file requests is a useful although basic feature. It is ideal for requesting files from your contacts, whether or not they have a Dropbox account. You 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:
When Dropbox file requests is not suitableThe Dropbox file request feature has a few limitations which may make it unsuitable for you:
Alternatives to Dropbox file requestsIf you 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 feature in any case. File transfer services could be an alternative, 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, but often struggle to make collecting and organising files easy for you. File upload software is a good option for businesses. You will be able to share branded upload forms with clients to collect all the information you need in a professional way. This file upload form was created using File Request Pro. Clients don’t need an account or even a password/pin code. You can also schedule ‘smart’ reminder emails so you don’t have to manually chase clients yourself. Client interaction hubs are useful if you need specialist features, and want to share files with clients as well as vice versa. Client interaction hubs usually require clients to log in, which can be off-putting (although secure). File Request Pro: The business alternative to Dropbox File RequestFile Request Pro is easy to use file upload software with a native Dropbox integration. You can have all the advantages of Dropbox without any of the disadvantages.
See File Request Pro product overview. How do I upload a file to someone else's Dropbox link?All you need to do is create the link in your Dropbox account. After doing this& you can copy the link and share it directly with the recipient. When the recipient receives your message& they can click on the link to open the file directly in their Dropbox.
Can anyone upload to a Dropbox link?Anyone can send a file to you, whether they have a Dropbox account or not.
What do I do when someone sends me a Dropbox link?Open the file request invitation or click the link you received. Click Add files and select Files from computer, Folders from computer, or From Dropbox. If you have more files to upload, click +Add more files.
Why can't I upload to a shared Dropbox folder?The amount of space in your Dropbox prevents you from accepting a shared folder invite if: The shared folder is larger than your space quota (for example, the shared folder is 5 GB but your account is 2 GB total)
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