> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sinosend.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Collect Files from Anyone with Sinosend File Requests

> Use Sinosend File Requests to collect files from clients or suppliers. Share a secure upload link — no account needed on their end.

File Requests flip the usual direction of a transfer. Instead of you pushing files to someone, you send a secure upload link and let them push files to you. Recipients click the link, drop their files, and you're notified the moment they arrive — all without the recipient needing a Sinosend account.

## What is a File Request?

A File Request is a persistent, shareable upload page hosted by Sinosend. Anyone with the link can upload files directly into your Sinosend library. Think of it as a secure, branded dropbox you can send to anyone.

Common scenarios where File Requests save time:

* **Supplier onboarding** — collect compliance certificates, business licences, and insurance documents from new vendors.
* **Freight and logistics** — gather bills of lading, packing lists, and inspection reports from freight forwarders.
* **Creative production** — receive raw photography, video footage, or design source files from freelancers.
* **Legal and compliance** — request signed contracts, identity verification documents, or regulatory filings.
* **Client intake** — ask new clients to upload their briefs, brand assets, or reference materials.

## Create a File Request

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the File Requests section">
    In your Sinosend dashboard, click **File Requests** in the left sidebar. Then click **New File Request** in the top-right corner.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a title">
    Enter a descriptive title for the request — for example, *Q3 Supplier Compliance Documents* or *Wedding Photography Deliverables*. This title appears on the upload page your recipients see.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add an optional message">
    Use the message field to give uploaders context or instructions. For example: *Please upload your ISO certificate and business licence in PDF format. Each file should be under 500 MB.*
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set an optional expiry date">
    Pick an expiry date if you want the upload page to close automatically on a specific day. Leave it blank to keep the request open indefinitely.

    <Tip>
      Setting an expiry date is useful when you have a submission deadline — such as a tender cutoff or an audit submission date. Uploaders who arrive after the expiry see a message explaining the request is closed.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the request">
    Click **Create Request**. Sinosend generates a unique upload URL and displays it immediately. The request also appears in your File Requests list for future reference.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Share the request link

Once your File Request is created, share the link however works best for your workflow:

* **Email** — paste the link into your own email client, or use Sinosend's built-in send feature to email the link directly from the platform.
* **Messaging apps** — drop the link into WhatsApp, WeChat, Slack, or any other messaging tool.
* **Embed in a document** — include the link in a supplier brief, onboarding pack, or contract as a designated submission URL.
* **QR code** — some browsers and operating systems can generate a QR code from any URL — useful for printed materials or trade show handouts.

<Note>
  The upload link does not expire by default. If you want it to close after a specific date, set an expiry date when creating the request (or edit the request later to add one).
</Note>

## The recipient upload experience

Recipients do not need a Sinosend account. Here is what they see:

1. They open the link in any modern browser.
2. They land on a clean upload page showing your request title and message.
3. They drag and drop files or click to browse, then confirm the upload.
4. A confirmation screen tells them their files were received successfully.

The process takes under a minute and requires no registration, app download, or password (unless you add one).

<Tip>
  If you are on a Business plan, the upload page displays your custom branding — logo, colours, and domain — rather than Sinosend's default look. See [Branded Portals](/features/branded-portals) for setup instructions.
</Tip>

## Receiving uploaded files

### Notifications

Sinosend sends you an email notification the moment someone completes an upload to your File Request. The notification includes the uploader's name (if they provided it), the number of files, and a direct link to view the files in your dashboard.

You can also enable dashboard alerts under **Settings → Notifications** to get real-time in-app pings alongside the email.

### Finding files in your library

All files uploaded via a File Request land in your Sinosend library, grouped under the originating request. To find them:

1. Go to **File Requests** in the sidebar.
2. Click the relevant request.
3. All submissions are listed chronologically, with uploader identity, file names, sizes, and upload timestamps.

You can download individual files, download all files in a submission as a bundle, or move files into a shared workspace for team review.

## Managing active requests

From the **File Requests** list you can:

* **Edit** the title, message, or expiry date of any open request.
* **Close** a request early to stop accepting new uploads without deleting existing submissions.
* **Delete** a request and all associated files (irreversible — confirm carefully).
* **Copy the link** again if you need to reshare it.

<Warning>
  Deleting a File Request permanently removes all files uploaded to it. Download anything you need before deleting.
</Warning>