It’s simple. With file requests, you can request files from your coworkers and clients and collect them all in one folder—right in Dropbox.
10 minute read
Cut down on chaos
Use Dropbox file requests to eliminate stress and disorder when trying to collect files from others.
Learn more
Why use file requests?
Use Dropbox file requests to easily collect the files you need from others.
It works with everyone
File requests allow you to ask for and receive files from anyone, whether they have a Dropbox account or not.
Big files? No big deal
File requests allow you to receive large files easily. If you’re on a Dropbox Business or Professional plan, those you’ve requested files from can upload files up to 50 GB.
Stay organized
Dropbox does the organizing for you. All collected files are automatically saved in a single Dropbox folder of your choice.
Keep private content private
People who upload files to your file request can’t access your Dropbox account, and only you can view files uploaded by others, unless you decide to share them.
Who else is requesting files?
File requests can be used anywhere by anyone.
The dog can’t eat your Dropbox
A teacher at the end of the term is looking to collect students’ research projects, which include documents, images, and other miscellaneous files. A file request sorts everything into one folder, and the teacher can even set a deadline so everyone must turn in their assignment on time.
Non-profits can profit
Non-profits can use file requests to prepare for quarterly board meetings. When every department, agency, or third-party provider needs to submit content for their presentation, they can easily gather content from the team using file requests.
Marketing firm seeks animator
A marketing firm looking for an animator places an open call for submissions and portfolios on their website. That’s a lot of files, including video. File requests allow for submission of proposals from animators, whether they have a Dropbox account or not. And no one needs to worry about space.
The dog can’t eat your Dropbox
A teacher at the end of the term is looking to collect students’ research projects, which include documents, images, and other miscellaneous files. A file request sorts everything into one folder, and the teacher can even set a deadline so everyone must turn in their assignment on time.
Non-profits can profit
Non-profits can use file requests to prepare for quarterly board meetings. When every department, agency, or third-party provider needs to submit content for their presentation, they can easily gather content from the team using file requests.
Marketing firm seeks animator
A marketing firm looking for an animator places an open call for submissions and portfolios on their website. That’s a lot of files, including video. File requests allow for submission of proposals from animators, whether they have a Dropbox account or not. And no one needs to worry about space.
The dog can’t eat your Dropbox
A teacher at the end of the term is looking to collect students’ research projects, which include documents, images, and other miscellaneous files. A file request sorts everything into one folder, and the teacher can even set a deadline so everyone must turn in their assignment on time.
Show me how
Would you like a more detailed look at exactly how to create, send, and manage file requests? Then take a look at these tutorials.
Creating file requests
Need a document from your team member? Creating file requests is simple.
Managing file requests
You can close a file request when you want to stop receiving files. Once closed, anyone with an invite link will no longer be able to upload files to your Dropbox. If you set a deadline on the file request, it’ll close automatically when the deadline passes.
Common questions
Still have questions about file requests? Maybe it’s one of these. If you have a question that’s not listed here, check out help.dropbox.com for more answers.
Can I add more people to my file request once I create it?
You sure can. Just select the (…) ellipsis next to the file request you want and select “Add people.” From there, you can copy the link and send it to whomever you’d like via email. Or just enter their email addresses, and we’ll send the invite for you.
Can I share the content I collected with others?
Yes! You can either share the file request folder directly, or move the content into an existing shared folder.
Try it out
Want a little practice using file requests to get files from others? Follow along with this tutorial and try it yourself. Don’t need anything yet? That’s okay! You can still go through this exercise, just don’t send the link out. Or better yet, try sending the request to yourself and see what happens.
Collecting content from others
Imagine you want to collect information from your photos from friends. Let’s request them with file requests.
Send the request
You can let Dropbox send the request for you. Simply enter the names or email addresses of those you’d like to request files from. Alternatively, you can create a link to the request, and share it via email, text, Slack, or any number of other ways.
Get started
Go to dropbox.com, and then “File requests.”
Request files
Select the “New request” button
Request what you need
Give your request a name and description (optional). Then select where the requested files should be uploaded in your Dropbox account, and set a deadline for the request.
Send the request
You can let Dropbox send the request for you. Simply enter the names or email addresses of those you’d like to request files from. Alternatively, you can create a link to the request, and share it via email, text, Slack, or any number of other ways.
Get started
Go to dropbox.com, and then “File requests.”
Request files
Select the “New request” button
Request what you need
Give your request a name and description (optional). Then select where the requested files should be uploaded in your Dropbox account, and set a deadline for the request.
Send the request
You can let Dropbox send the request for you. Simply enter the names or email addresses of those you’d like to request files from. Alternatively, you can create a link to the request, and share it via email, text, Slack, or any number of other ways.