Box File Request lets you collect documents from anyone - even people without Box accounts. Requires a Business plan or higher, but you get strong security controls suited to regulated industries.
Select your destination folder
Go to the Box folder where collected files should land.
Open the sharing panel
Click the folder, then find the sharing panel on the right.
Create the file request
Under File Request, click Create Link.
Enable and configure
Toggle the link to Enabled. Click Edit for more options.
Set security options
Add metadata fields
Collect extra info alongside files:
Copy your link
Paste the generated URL into a Tallyfy short text field.
Identity verification - Require uploaders to sign in with a Box account (free accounts work). Captures their verified email with every upload.
Email validation - Even without Box login, you can require uploaders to verify their email.
Access controls - Your Box admin can enforce org-wide policies for all file requests.
Virus scanning - All uploads are scanned automatically before they’re accessible.
Require structured information with each upload:
Example metadata setup:- Uploader Email: [Required]- Document Type: [Dropdown: Contract, Invoice, Receipt]- Reference Number: [Text field]- Description: [Text area]Metadata stays attached to files, making them easier to find later.
Simple collection - One Box file request link per process, shared across tasks.
Categorized uploads - Separate file requests per document type:
Maximum security - Unique file requests per process instance with short expiration windows.
Box’s API supports:
Folder organization - Mirror your process structure in your Box folder hierarchy.
Naming conventions - Use consistent naming like [Process]-[Date]-[Client].
Regular cleanup - Disable old file request links quarterly.
Monitor usage - Check Box’s audit logs to see who’s uploading.
Business plan required - File requests aren’t available on personal Box accounts.
Single folder destination - Each request points to one folder. You can’t split uploads dynamically.
No conditional logic - Can’t show or hide metadata fields based on previous selections.
For trusted partners who have Box accounts:
More features, but requires Box accounts on both sides.
“Access denied” - Your org admin may have restricted file requests.
Missing metadata - Confirm required fields are set in file request settings.
Upload failures - Check file size limits (5 GB default, up to 250 GB).
Link not working - The link may be disabled or expired.
File requests come with Business plans but count toward your storage quota. Watch usage if you collect large files often.
File Request Links > Dropbox file requests
Document Management > File request links
File Request Links > SharePoint file requests
File Request Links > Google Drive file requests