Using Dropbox File Requests

Hello, I'm Steven, a Customer Success Manager at Dropbox. Today, I'd like to discuss file requests.

For those unfamiliar, file requests offer a straightforward method to generate a link which can be sent to either external or internal parties to receive files. You create a link, share it, and others can upload files from their computers directly into your Dropbox account.

To learn more about file requests, visit our help center. By going to help.dropbox.com, you can find information on various topics, including file requests. The help center provides instructions on using file requests, including that you can send them to individuals who don't have Dropbox accounts and that the upload size limit is fifty gigabytes.

So how do you set up a file request? Begin by visiting dropbox.com on the web. Click on the 'File requests' section on the left side, which shows all of your past file requests, both open and closed. From there, create a new request. You can customize this request with a title like 'Your submission for September' and even include a description. You can decide where these files will be stored; for instance, you could choose a shared
folder that's used for collaborating with internal
teams or specific clients.

Once you've selected the appropriate folder, you also have the option to set a submission deadline. This feature is often used in education for student assignments, but it's also useful for business purposes, like receiving proposals from various parties.

When you share a file request link, the data submitted is only visible to the owner of the folder or those with whom the folder is shared. This could include
colleagues or other parties. Once the link is created, you can share it directly or invite people via email to submit their files.

For demonstration, if I paste this link into an incognito window (where no one is logged in), you can see it prompts me to sign into Dropbox. This means you can share this link with anyone, even those without a Dropbox account.

There are various use cases for file requests. For instance, if you've attended or hosted a wedding, you could send a link to all guests to collect high-resolution photos and videos.

Submitting files is simple. Click 'Add files' and choose whether to upload from your computer or directly from Dropbox.

Uploading from Dropbox can be a time saver, especially with larger files. After selecting your file, you're prompted to enter your name, which will be appended to the file request name. This feature is particularly useful when you're receiving submissions from
various individuals for a common purpose, such as a tender.

Finally, from your file request section, you can edit the file request, copy the link, or share it again.

To sum up, file requests allow up to a fifty gigabyte limit, and enable you to send a link to anyone, granting them upload access to a designated Dropbox folder.