File requests overview in Dropbox DocSend

Types of file requests

File requests (standalone)

Standalone file requests have their own dedicated links. All files uploaded by visitors using the file request link will be uploaded directly to a team folder within Content library. Standalone file requests can be managed from the file requests page.

Space file requests

A Space file request exists only in a Space and doesn’t have its own dedicated link. When an external contact uploads files using a Space file request, those files will be immediately visible to anyone with access to the Space. To control visibility, you can hide the file by disallowing access, or for customers on Advanced or Enterprise, apply Granular Space Permissions. 

Create a file request

To create a standalone file request:

1. Click File requests in the left side bar.
2. Click Create file request.
3. Complete the fields listed and configure your desired settings.
4. Click Continue.
5. Click Create file request.
6. Click Copy request link or Copy to clipboard to share.
    

File request settings

Fields:

• Account Name (Recommended): The account/organization of the external contact.  
• Request Name (Recommended): The name of the file request.If left blank, the title auto-populates to “Untitled File Request”.
• Message (Optional): A note included in the prompt for your external contacts.
• Folder for the files you receive (Required): Choose where uploads will be stored in your Content library.

Settings:

• Require email to access (Required): External contacts must enter their name and email to upload files.
• Expiration date
• Passcode

Learn more about link settings.

Manage file requests

From File requests, you can switch between My requests and All requests to track uploads, check associated Spaces, and see who created each link.

• Permissions: Admins can update both their own and members’ file requests, but not each other’s. Members can only update their own.
• Visibility: File requests in personal folders are visible only to the requestor and account owner(s). Non-personal folders are visible to all team members, or sub-teams for Enterprise accounts.

Update file request fields and settings

To update file request fields and settings, follow these steps:

1. Click File requests in the left sidebar.
2. Navigate to the desired file requests you want to update.
3. Click  (more options).
4. Click Edit file request.
5. Update your file requests fields and settings.
6. Click Update file requests to save changes. 
   
   

Link accessibility settings

To manage access to file requests:

1. Click File requests in the left sidebar.
2. Navigate to the desired file requests you want to update.
3. Toggle Link accessibility to adjust access to link. 
   
   

Receive a file request

Once your external contact starts uploading files:

• You'll receive an email notification that includes a direct link to the uploaded files associated with the file request. This notification will also include the uploader’s name, email address, file request account name, and location.
• A Space file request notification will take you directly to the Space associated with the Space file request.
• Files uploads using the file request workflow will be tagged with a yellow received tag. 

Delete a file request

Deleting a file request permanently disables the link and prevents future uploads. Files uploaded before deletion remain in your account.

1. Click File requests in the left sidebar.
2. Navigate to the desired file request you want to delete.
3. Click   (more options).
4. Click Delete.
5. Click Delete to confirm.
    

Recipient (external contact) experience

When a recipient opens a file request link, they’ll be prompted to drag and drop files or select them from their device.

• Recipients can click  (Add More) to upload multiple files.
• Once files are uploaded, the recipient can choose to add more.
• The file request owner receives an email notification containing a link to the uploaded files, along with the uploader’s details.