How to Send Large Files via Email: 4 Easy Methods

August 22, 2024

You’ve got a huge file to send, but your email keeps bouncing back. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, struggling to figure out how to send large files via email without pulling our hair out.

Sending big files doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a few simple tricks, you can kiss those pesky “attachment too large” errors goodbye.

Whether you’re studying for finals, presenting in the boardroom, or curating an epic collection of cat memes, learning how to send large files via email is easy with these four simple steps.

How to Send Large Files via Email

If you’ve ever tried to send a large file as an email attachment, you know the struggle. You spend forever waiting for it to upload, only to get hit with an error message that your file is too darn big.

Talk about frustrating.

As someone who’s sent my fair share of hefty files, I know a thing or two about getting around those pesky size limits. Let me show you four easy steps to upload large files and send them to your intended recipients.

1. Check The Storage Limit of Your Email Service Provider

First things first, you gotta know what you’re working with. Every email provider has its storage size limit.

For example, free Gmail and Outlook accounts have a max capacity of 15MB while Yahoo Mail offers a whopping 1T of storage. So before you try sending anything, check your limit to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

2. Use File Compression Software

If your file is too big to send as-is, it’s time to shrink it. File compression software like Zip or WinRAR can condense your file down to a more email-friendly size.

Just stuff all your files into a ZIP file and watch the megabytes melt away.

3. Upload Your Files to The Cloud

When all else fails, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are like the superheroes of file sharing.

Just upload your large file to the cloud, and then share the link with your recipient. No need to clog up anyone’s inbox.

4. Send Files in Multiple Emails

Okay, I’ll admit this one’s a bit of a last resort. But if you absolutely must send a giant file via email, you can try splitting it up into smaller chunks and sending them separately.

It’s not the most elegant solution, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.

How to Send Large Files Online

Email attachments are great and all, but sometimes you need a little more oomph. When you’ve got a seriously massive file to send, it’s time to explore your online options. Trust me, your inbox (and your sanity) will thank you.

1. Cloud Storage Services

I already mentioned these earlier but they deserve a spotlight of their own. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft’s OneDrive are the MVPs of sending large files online. They offer tons of storage space, easy sharing options, and even let you collaborate on files with others.

Plus, most of them have free plans that are perfect for occasional use.

2. File Sharing Websites

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles of cloud storage, file-sharing websites like WeTransfer and Filemail are a quick and easy option.

Just upload your file, enter your recipient’s email address, and hit send. No account required.

The only catch is that your file will only be available for a limited time before it’s deleted.

3. File Transfer Services

For the serious file senders out there, file transfer services like Masv and IBM Aspera are the way to go. These bad boys are built for speed and security, with no file size limits and lightning-fast transfer speeds.

They’re overkill for most people, but if you’re regularly sending large gigabytes of data, they’re worth checking out.

Tips for Reducing File Size Before Sending

Sometimes the best way to send a large file is to make it, well, less large.

If you’re dealing with a bloated behemoth of a file, try these tips to slim it down before hitting send.

Compress Files into a ZIP Folder

I’ve already sung the praises of ZIP files, but let me reiterate: they’re a sender’s best friend. Both Windows and Mac have built-in tools for compressing files into a neat little package.

Just right-click your file or folder, select “Compress” or “Send to ZIP,” and watch the magic happen. Your recipient can easily extract the files on their end, no special software required.

Optimize Images and Videos

Images and videos are often the biggest culprits when it comes to oversized files. Before sending, take a moment to optimize them for sharing.

For images, resize them to a reasonable resolution (nobody needs a 5000 x 5000 pixel photo) and save them in a web-friendly format like JPEG.

For video files, consider exporting them at a lower bit rate or using a video compression tool like Streamable.

Remove Unnecessary Data

You’d be surprised how much extra junk can accumulate in a file, especially things like Microsoft Office documents.

Before sending, take a peek at the file properties and see if there’s anything you can remove, like unused fonts, comments, or metadata. Every little bit helps.

How to Deliver Your Large Files Securely

When you’re sending large files, you’re not just worried about size – you also want to make sure they arrive safely. After all, nobody wants their sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.

Here’s how to keep your files secure in transit.

Use a Secure File-Sharing Service

Not all file-sharing services are created equal when it comes to security. Look for one that offers end-to-end encryption, which means your files are scrambled into unreadable gibberish from the moment they leave your device until they reach their destination.

Sync.com and Tresorit are two great options that prioritize privacy and security.

Encrypt Your Files

For an extra layer of protection, you can encrypt your files before uploading them to any file-sharing service.

Use a tool like AxCrypt to scramble your files with a password that only you and your recipient know.

That way, even if someone intercepts your shared link, they won’t be able to make heads or tails of your data.

Protect Your Shared Link With a Password

Many file-sharing services let you add a password to your shared link for an extra layer of security. That way, even if someone gets their hands on the link, they won’t be able to access your files without the passkey.

Just make sure to send the password to your recipient through a separate channel, like a text message or encrypted chat.

Alternatives to Sending Large Files via Email

Email is great and all, but it’s not always the best tool for sending large files. When you’ve got a massive file to send, sometimes you need to think outside the inbox.

Here are a few alternatives to consider.

Use a USB Flash Drive

I know, I know — using a physical storage device in the year 2023 feels a bit retro. But hear me out.

If you’re trying to share a large file with someone in person, a USB flash drive is still one of the simplest and most reliable methods. Just load up your files, hand off the drive, and boom – you’re done.

Plus, you can find USB drives with massive storage capacities these days, up to 1TB or more.

Mail a physical storage device

Okay, this one’s a bit of a last resort. But if you’re dealing with truly massive files (we’re talking terabytes here), sometimes the fastest way to transfer them is to load them onto a physical hard drive and pop them in the mail.

Sure, it’s not as instant as digital delivery, but for those extra-large jobs, it gets the job done. Just make sure to use a reliable shipping service and package your drive securely.

Related Reading:

FAQs: How to Send Large Files via Email

How do I send a file that is too big for email?

Upload it to cloud storage like Google Drive, then share the link via email.

How can I email a file larger than 25MB?

Compress the file with software or split it into smaller parts and send in multiple emails.

How do I compress a file to send via email?

Use compression software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to zip your files before emailing them.

How to send large files through email for free?

Pick cloud services like Dropbox for uploading and emailing links without spending a dime.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks. Four ridiculously easy ways to send large files via email without breaking a sweat.

From cloud storage to file compression, you’re now equipped with the tools to tackle any giant attachment that comes your way.

No more stressing over file size limits or bounced emails!

Remember, when it comes to sending large files via email, you’ve got options. Embrace the power of the internet and make your email experience a breeze.

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