In addition to making it easier for current Dropbox users to ask for files from others, the new option may also serve to introduce Dropbox to others who had yet to try the service. Then they can either copy the link Dropbox provides (which points to a file uploader interface), or they can enter in the email addresses and message they want to send. When asking for files, users can also indicate which folder should host the files as part of the request process. Dropbox says that, unlike with email attachments, people can send files as large as 2 GB in size using File Requests. The feature has another advantage, as well – it works with larger files, like video. They were asking for really complex PowerPoint decks.” The previews team used file requests, asked people around the company for documents that are hard to render in order to challenge their rendering pipeline. “One of the most interesting examples internally was when we were working on document previews. “We’ve had it internally built and in testing for quite a while,” Dropbox product head ChenLi Wang said. The company suggests the feature can be used for a range of sharing scenarios, whether it’s collecting bids from contractors, asking for files from clients, or even asking family members to share vacation photos. This continues to be the case because not everyone uses the same cloud service for file sharing, too.ĭropbox’s File Requests feature is meant to offer an alternative to email-based file sharing, as it puts those in need of the files in more control. Today, most people continue to share files with one another as email attachments, which can be cumbersome to sort through.

The company says the feature was implemented to address a common pain point among users. Through a simple interface on /requests, you can specify what file or files you’re looking for, and you’re then provided a link you can distribute or you can select the option to have Dropbox send a request email on your behalf.

Called “File Requests,” the option gives anyone you ask the ability to upload files into your Dropbox account, into a folder of your choosing.

Dropbox today rolled out a new feature that will allow those without an account to share files with Dropbox users.

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