Creating a Request
Sending files is great, but sometimes you need it the other way around. File requests let you generate a private upload link that anyone can use to send files to you. The person on the other end doesn't need an account, doesn't need to install anything, and doesn't need any technical know-how. They open the link, drop their files in, and they're done.
Where to create a request
Sign in to your account and head to the Requests page from the navigation menu. You'll see a two-pane layout: the form on the left is where you create new requests, and the list on the right shows everything you've created before.
Give your request a title
The title is shown to whoever opens your link, so use something they will recognise. "Wedding photos from Saturday", "Q3 design files", or "Tax documents 2026" all work well. A clear title removes any confusion about what they're sending and to whom.
The title also helps you stay organised. If you create multiple requests over time, the titles are how you'll find a specific one in your request history.
Pick an expiry
Use the expiry slider to choose how long the link stays active. Once it expires, nobody can submit new files through it. Pick something short if you only need one or two submissions in the next few days, or something longer if you're collecting files over weeks.
The maximum expiry available depends on your plan. Free accounts get a shorter window than paid ones. You can always extend the expiry later from the request's detail page if you change your mind.
Generate the link
Click "Create request link" and ZappFiles immediately generates a unique URL for you. You'll see a confirmation screen with the link displayed and a one-click copy button. Each link is unguessable and tied only to this specific request, so it stays private to whoever you share it with.
From the same screen you can create another request right away or jump to the request's detail page to watch submissions come in.