New-feature request: download all attachments at once

[#1]

Dears,

I'm a copyeditor and some clients send me multiple files to edit at once in messages. The Messages layout is a real pain and I have a very narrow view of the actual messages between me and the client with LOTS of unused space. So it's hell for me to download all files manually one by one. 

Can you add a button "download all attachments" please?

[#2]

Here you go:

FTP

SFTP

email

Dropbox

WeTransfer

Google Drive

Microsoft One Drive

iCloud

iDrive

Smash

Hightail

Terrashare

Box.com

Firefox Send

Send Anywhere

Filemail

Pcloud

Sync

Surge Send

etc.

Use whatever tool you want to use.

Don't try to use Upwork for this.

[#3]

---

Preston H wrote:

Here you go:

FTP

SFTP

email

Dropbox

WeTransfer

Google Drive

Microsoft One Drive

iCloud

iDrive

Smash

Hightail

Terrashare

Box.com

Firefox Send

Send Anywhere

Filemail

Pcloud

Sync

Surge Send

---

None of that helps at all. Are you seriously suggesting that the freelancer should ask the client to send the files they have already sent AGAIN? 

Why would you object to a simple "download all" function, or the very basic ability to select more than one item?

How silly is that?

[#4]

I don't object to adding any button or tool that will make things easier for users.

As a practical matter, if Upwork added something, it may indeed be helpful. But it would probably still block files of various types and sizes, and modify files without notification in potentially damaging ways, through the third-party filtering that it uses as a security feature to prevent malware. So I would still not recommend it for many people.

For now, my recommendation is to use a dedicated file transfer tool, such as from the list I provided.

[#5]

Preston,

Would it be a violation of any of Upwork's rules to use any of those file transfer apps before there is an Upwork contract in place?

[#6]

---

Preston H wrote:

For now, my recommendation is to use a dedicated file transfer tool, such as from the list I provided.

---

Even when it means violating Upwork's Terms of Service... Great idea. 

Is there any reason why you want people to get suspended? You keep giving advice that will result in that. Why?

[#7]

re: "Even when it means violating Upwork's Terms of Service"

Nobody here has made such a suggestion.

Freelancers and the clients who have hired them may use any tools they want for communication and file transfer purposes. This is not a violation of Upwork rules.

re: "Would it be a violation of any of Upwork's rules to use any of those file transfer apps before there is an Upwork contract in place?"

Will:
The original poster was asking about clients who is already working for. He was not asking about ways to transfer files before an Upwork contract is in place.

If it is necessary to transfer files using an external tool before an Upwork contract is in place, then it is permissible to do so, but such a tool should be used only to share files that must be shared before the contract starts. Such tools should not be used for communication purposes.

Generally speaking, it should not be necessary to do so. If a client and freelancer are sharing so many files, or files that are so large, that the Upwork Messages is not easily usable, then they are probably getting into the "work" phase, and have passed the "interview" phase.