Dropbox File Requests (your questions answered)

Dropbox File Requests provide you with a simple way to collect files from anyone you email or send a link to. They don’t need to have a Dropbox account. However, there is a file limit, you can’t collect emails and Dropbox brand file requests.

Here are some commonly asked questions about Dropbox File Requests, with answers.

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What is a Dropbox file request?

A Dropbox file request is a feature that allows you to securely collect files from others without providing them with access to your Dropbox account. You can create a file request link and share it with others, who can then upload files to a specific folder in your Dropbox account. This is useful for gathering documents, photos, or other files from clients, colleagues, or friends in a streamlined and organized manner.

How to send a Dropbox file request?

To send a file request using Dropbox, follow these steps:
1. Open your Dropbox account and log in.
2. Click on the “Files Request” tab on the left sidebar. From here, you can create and manage dropbox file requests
Create a dropbox file request
3. Navigate to the folder where you want to receive files and click on the “Request files” button at the top of the page.
4. Enter a name for your request and a message if you would like to include one.
5. Click on the “Next” button.
6. A link will be generated that you can share with others to request files. You can copy this link and send it via email, messaging apps, or any other communication method.
7. Once someone uploads a file using the link, you will receive a notification in Dropbox.
8. You can access the files uploaded by others by going to the folder where you set up the request.

For more information, you should check Dropbox learn website

File requests offer some more advance features like set a deadline, or protect the page with a password. Both of which are included by default with File Request Pro

How to delete Dropbox file request?

You can’t delete a file request, but instead, you can close a file request. This will disable the link and the recipient will no longer able to upload files to it.

To delete a Dropbox file request, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your Dropbox account on the web at dropbox.com.
2. Click on the “File requests” tab on the left side of the screen.
3. Open the file request and click “Closed File Request”

Close dropbox file request

Are Dropbox file requests secure?

Yes, Dropbox file requests are secure. When you use Dropbox file requests, you are able to securely collect files from others without giving them access to your Dropbox account. You can create a link to share with others where they can upload files directly to a specific folder in your Dropbox account. This ensures that the files are kept secure and only accessible to you. Additionally, Dropbox uses encryption to protect data in transit and at rest, further enhancing the security of file requests.

What is the Dropbox File Request size limit?

If you have a Dropbox Basic, Plus, or Family user, you can upload files up to 2 GB. Dropbox Business team members or Professional users can accept files up to 50 GB in size.

Can you collect email addresses with Dropbox File Requests?

No. Respondents who are signed in to Dropbox can upload documents without adding extra information. Respondents who aren’t logged in, or don’t have an account, will be asked to enter their name and email. However, their email isn’t passed on to you. Their name is added to the file name.

file requests folder

Can you customize file requests or remove Dropbox branding?

You can’t customize or white-label file requests or remove Dropbox branding on your upload page. Once your respondents upload documents, they will be asked if they want to sign up for Dropbox, if they haven’t already. File request forms are designed by Dropbox, using their branding.

Dropbox File Requests Email Example

Can you send clients reminder emails?

With a Dropbox Pro account, you can add a deadline to file requests.

 file request click - Create file requests

Dropbox will then send one reminder email on your behalf. You can’t customize the reminder sequence.

Who can I send a Dropbox file request?

You can send a Dropbox file request to anyone. They don’t need to have a Dropbox account. However, if they aren’t in your listed contacts, then you’ll be asked to import contacts. So you can’t just use any email address. You can send links to anyone. Links are long and ugly so you might want to use a URL-shortening service.

send dropbox link for upload

Can I create a Dropbox public upload page?

Using Dropbox file requests, you can get a public link that links directly to the request. Even if this is a public upload page, you won’t be able to add a field to collect more information to remove Dropbox’s branding from the page.

To create a Dropbox upload link, go to your Dropbox folder, and click the file request button on the left menu. Here you will see all the file requests folders, click on the three dots menu of the folder of your choice, and you will find the file request links to the file requests page. You just need to copy it and send to the person you request the files from

create dropbox upload link

What are some Dropbox file request alternatives?

Google Drive doesn’t have a specific file request feature, although you can ‘share’ folders. Microsoft OneDrive lets you request files, but with limitations. Microsoft SharePoint doesn’t currently let you request files from people external to your organization.

Dropbox is the best of the cloud storage providers in terms of being able to request files from anyone, regardless of whether they have an account. However, it is a ‘add-on’ feature and not geared to business users. If you need more flexibility and sophistication then consider specialist file request software.

This white-labeled file request form was created using File Request Pro.

dropbox public upload page

File Request Pro – collect and organize files and information from anyone, direct in your Dropbox account. The business alternative to Dropbox File Requests

File Request Pro is specialist file upload software, which provides a business alternative to Dropbox File Requests.

Use Dropbox for file storage and File Request Pro for professionally collecting and organizing client files and information.

  • White-label and customize file request forms and file upload pages
  • Create one-page or multi-page forms
  • Request client emails and any other type of information using a range of form fields and conditional logic
  • Receive all uploaded directly in your Dropbox folder
  • Dynamic file organization based on whatever factor you choose (name, email, ID, etc)
  • Automated email and thank you reminder sequences
  • Send file requests to anyone, on any device, with no sign-up required

See how you can use Dropbox and File Request Pro.