There are many ways on how to request file online. Apart from online services like Dropbox, you can also take advantage of your WordPress-based blog/site to ask for files from your visitors.
WordPress actually has no capability that allows you to ask for files. Thanks to its openness concept people are able to build plugins to enhance WordPress functionalities. If you need a plugin to allow your blog visitors to upload certain files you can take advantage of WordPress file upload plugin which there are plenty in number. This article will show you the best of WordPress file upload plugins which you can use for free.
1. Frontend Uploader
The first plugin you can use to enable your visitors to upload files is Frontend Uploader. The way this plugin works is easy. You will be provided a set of shortcodes which you can insert to a specific page/post where you want to display the submission form. Your visitors, on the other hand, will be able to use the submission form to upload files without having to register. The submitted files will not automatically be accepted. They will be held for moderation first until you approve it.
Not only for requesting files, you can also use this plugin for other needs. The form provided by this plugin can be used in 3 modes: upload files, submit posts/custom post types, and mixed — submit a post and attach files to it.
2. WordPress File Upload
Its name told it all. You can also use WordPress File Upload to provide a submission form to allow your visitors uploading files. You will also be provided a set of shortcodes which you can insert to a specific page or post. Additionally, you can also add a shorcode to sidebar if you want to install a submission form on your blog sidebar. WordPress File Upload has some advantages than Frontend Uploader.
First, you can set the custom destination of where the uploaded files have to be sent. Whether on Media Library or other destination. Second, you can send email notifications upon upload. There are several other features of WordPress File Upload that can ease your life. But, please note that WordPress File Upload is a freemium plugin. You will be probably be asked to upgrade your free version to the paid one to get all of those features.
3. WP User Frontend
WP User Frontend is a versatile plugin for WordPress. One of the capabilities of this plugin is it allows your visitors to upload files. Same as WordPress File Upload, WP User Frontend is also a freemium plugin so that you will probably be asked to upgrade your free version to premium to use all of the offered features. WP User Frontend also offers a set of shortcodes which you can insert to a certain page/post where you want to display the submission form.
4. Gravity Forms Advanced File Uploader
Gravity Forms Advanced File Uploader is also a free plugin that allows you providing an upload form on your WordPress blog. Same as other plugins above, all you need to do to display the upload form is by inserting a shortcode. This plugin allows your visitors to upload multiple files at once. All of the uploaded files will be added to Media Library with the aim to makes to easy for to use them. Furthermore, you can set the maximum file size to prevent your hosting space from dying.
5. User Submitted Posts
Another free plugin that you can use to provide an upload form on your WordPress blog is User Submitted Posts. Through this plugin you can let your blog visitors to contribute articles as well as attaching files such as image. There is no different to all of the plugins above in terms of displaying submission form. You are also be provided a set of shortcodes which you can insert to, be it on page, post or widget. User Submitted Posts features Google reCAPTCHA to ensure only the real human who submit something on your site.