# Collect files with a file request

**Category:** [File Transfer](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/file-transfer)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## What a file request is

A file request is a public upload page you share with clients so they can send files *to* you — no account or login needed on their end. It's the reverse of a transfer.
## Create the request

On the dashboard, open the **Requests** tab and choose **New request**. Give it a **Title** (required) — this is what uploaders see, e.g. `Upload your onboarding documents`. Add an optional **Message** with instructions, and pick when the request **expires** (defaults to Never). Save to open the request's detail page.
## Share the link

Copy the request link from the detail page and send it to your clients. It lives at `/r/<token>/`. Anyone with the link can upload until the request is closed or expired.
## What uploaders see

The public page shows your title and message and lets visitors select files, plus optionally enter their **name**, **email**, and a **message**. Files over the per-file size limit are skipped automatically.
## When files arrive

Each client upload becomes a **submission**. You get an email and an in-app notification, and the submission appears on the request's detail page with the uploader's details and files. To download or close out a request, see [Review and download submissions](review-and-download-submissions).

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## Related Articles

- [Manage and revoke transfers](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/manage-and-revoke-transfers)
- [Send files securely](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/send-files-securely)
- [File Transfer Overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/file-transfer-overview)
- [Review and download submissions](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/review-and-download-submissions)
- [Sending Files and Requesting Uploads](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/sending-files-and-requesting-uploads)

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