Dropbox file requests

Creating Dropbox file requests for Tallyfy workflows

Anyone can upload files to your Dropbox without needing an account, and you control exactly where those files land. It’s one of the simplest file request tools available.

Prerequisites

You’ll need a Dropbox account with file request capabilities:

• Basic/Plus/Family plans - files up to 2 GB each
• Professional/Business plans - files up to 250 GB each
• Business plans - deadlines and password protection options

Creating your first file request

1. Access file requests

   Sign in to Dropbox.com and click File requests in the left sidebar.

2. Start new request

   Click New request at the top of your file request list.

3. Configure the request

   Enter a descriptive title like “Client Documents - [Client Name]” and optionally describe what files you’re expecting.

4. Choose destination folder

   Dropbox creates a new folder by default. Click Change folder to select an existing folder if preferred.

5. Set optional security

   For Professional and Business accounts:

   • Check Set a deadline to auto-close the request
   • Add a password for extra security (share it separately)

6. Copy the link

   Click Copy next to “Share a link” to get your unique upload URL.

7. Store in Tallyfy

   Paste this link into a short text field in your Tallyfy template or process.

What uploaders see

When someone clicks your file request link, they get a simple upload page with your title and description. They drag and drop files (or click to browse), optionally enter their name and email, then click Upload. That’s it.

Files appear immediately in your Dropbox folder with the uploader’s name (if provided) as a filename prefix.

Best practices for Tallyfy integration

Use descriptive titles - Include the process name and instance identifier so you can match uploads to specific workflows.

Create unique requests per process - Don’t reuse links across instances. A fresh request per run keeps documents clearly separated.

Set reasonable deadlines - If your plan supports it, align deadlines with your process timeline plus a buffer.

Monitor the folder - Set up Dropbox notifications for new uploads so nothing slips through.

Handling multiple file types

If a process needs different document types, create separate file requests with distinct destination folders:

Passport Documents → /Client Files/[Name]/Passport/
Tax Documents → /Client Files/[Name]/Tax/
Medical Records → /Client Files/[Name]/Medical/

Store each link in a separate Tallyfy text field and reference them in the relevant tasks.

Security considerations

Dropbox file requests are secure by default:

• Uploaders can’t see existing files in your folder
• Each request URL is unique and unguessable
• You can close requests manually anytime
• Business accounts can require passwords
• All uploads are scanned for viruses

Limitations

File size limits vary by plan - 2 GB for personal, 250 GB for business.

No automatic upload notification - You won’t know files arrived unless you’ve configured folder watching.

Name and email are optional - Uploaders can skip identifying themselves.

Automation options

Dropbox provides a file requests API (/2/file_requests/create) for creating requests programmatically. You can also:

• Pre-create batches of file requests and store links in a spreadsheet
• Use Dropbox folder actions to trigger notifications when files arrive
• Use middleware tools like Zapier to connect Dropbox upload events to Tallyfy

Troubleshooting

“Request not found” error - The request may have expired or been manually closed. Create a new request.

Files not appearing - Check if uploads completed successfully. Large files may take time to sync.

Duplicate filenames - Dropbox automatically adds numbers to duplicate filenames to prevent overwrites.

Alternative - shared folder approach

For internal teams or trusted partners, Dropbox shared folders work too:

1. Create a shared folder in Dropbox
2. Generate a folder invite link
3. Store this link in Tallyfy
4. Users with Dropbox accounts can add files directly

You get more collaboration features, but everyone needs a Dropbox account.

Related articles

File Request Links > Box file requests

Box file requests allow you to securely collect files from anyone — even without a Box account — by generating unique upload links tied to specific folders with options for identity verification and metadata collection that integrate into Tallyfy workflows.

Document Management > File request links

File request links let you collect documents from external people by generating unique upload URLs in your document management system and embedding them into Tallyfy workflow tasks so recipients can upload files directly without needing accounts or seeing other files while your team maintains full control over storage and compliance.

File Request Links > SharePoint file requests

SharePoint and OneDrive file requests let you generate unique upload-only links that anyone can use to submit files directly into specific folders without needing a Microsoft account or site access while maintaining security through audit trails and malware scanning.

File Request Links > Google Drive file requests

Google Drive lacks a native file request feature so collecting files from external users requires workarounds like third-party tools such as FileDrop or File Request Pro that allow uploads without a Google account or using Google Forms (which still requires sign-in) or shared folders with managed access permissions.

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