To send large files via email, you can either upload your attachment to cloud storage and get a link to email to the recipient, or use a file sharing service.
Whatever method you choose, in the long run you won't be restricted by size limits and you can reduce the clutter from your inbox too. We'll show you some easy ways to send large files for free.
1. Google Drive: Use With Gmail
With Gmail, you can send attachments limited to 25MB and receive files of up to 50MB. It makes sense to use the built-in Google Drive to send big files. Open your Gmail account and click Compose. Click the Google Drive icon at the bottom of the compose window.
The Insert files using Google Drive window appears. Select the files you want to attach. At the bottom of the page, decide how you want to send the file:
- Drive link works for any files stored in Drive, including files created using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms.
- Attachment only works for files that weren't built using Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
Then click Insert.
Gmail checks to see if your recipients have access to the file. If they don't, it'll prompt you to change the sharing settings of your file stored in Drive before sending the message. You can set permissions to prevent the file from getting misused and send them to selected recipients.
2. OneDrive: For Outlook and Outlook.com
When you try to attach one or more files that are over 34MB in size, Outlook.com will prompt you to upload the files to your OneDrive account. If you follow this prompt, the file gets uploaded to the OneDrive Email attachments folder. The recipient will receive a link to the file instead of the file. You can also share a file from OneDrive with a limit of 2GB.
Once the file gets uploaded, choose if people can edit the file or only view it. Select the OneDrive link and decide what you want to do with a file you just shared. There are two options you can choose from.
- Anyone can view: Others can copy or download your file without signing in.
- Anyone can edit: Others can edit, add or delete files in a shared folder.
3. Dropbox: Integrate With Gmail
If you use Dropbox, then the Dropbox for Gmail add-on can let you send, preview files and links without leaving your Gmail window. The extension adds a Dropbox icon to the compose window. Click the Dropbox icon and choose the file from your Dropbox account. A link gets attached, instead of a file in the email message.
As a recipient, you get rich previews of all Dropbox links shared in emails. Just like attachments, you can use these links to download the files directly from Gmail or add it to your Dropbox. With a free Dropbox account, there is no file size limit—you just can't exceed your account's storage quota.
If your file transfer fails, then it could be due to multiple reasons; your shared link or request could have generated a large amount of traffic or exceeded the bandwidth and download limits.
4. iCloud Mail Drop: Use With Apple Mail
If you want to send large files via email, you can use iCloud Mail Drop feature. When you send an email of size more than 20MB, Mail Drop automatically kicks in. Instead of sending the file through the Apple email server, it uploads the file to iCloud and posts a link or preview to your recipients. The link is temporary and will expire after 30 days.
If the recipient also has macOS 10.10 or later, the attachment gets quietly auto-downloaded in the background. And if you're sending it to another email provider, the message contains an indication of the file's expiration date and a Click to Download link.
With Mail Drop, you can send big files up to 5GB in size. You can send them from Apple Mail, the Mail app on iOS, and iCloud.com on Mac and PC. Mail Drop support every file types and attachments don't count against your iCloud storage.
5. WeTransfer: Send Unlimited Large Files Quickly
WeTransfer is a fantastic choice to send files online. For free, and without an account, you can send files up to 2GB; there's no limit to how often you can use the service either. You can either send these files directly via email or generate a link which you can share elsewhere.
Simply visit the site, click the plus icon, select your files, fill in the fields, then click Transfer. Alternatively, click the three dots and choose Get transfer link. Your file will automatically expire after one week.
If you want, you can sign up to WeTransfer Pro for $12/month. This lets you upload files up to 200GB, offers password protection, gives the ability to customize the sharing page, and more. However, chances are the generous free plan will be more than enough for your needs.
6. pCloud Transfer: Simple Encrypted File Transfer
pCloud Transfer is a part of pCloud storage and lets you send large files for free without any registration. Go to pCloud Transfer page and add your files using the Click here to add files option.
You can email large files up to 5GB, and every single file should not exceed 200MB. Then click Encrypt Your Files option and set a password.
pCloud will not send the password to your recipient on your behalf. You can share your files with 10 recipients at once. Type in their email addresses in the Send to field. Type an optional message and click Send Files. Your recipients will receive an email link after a few hours. The link remains valid for seven days. You'll get a reminder a day before the expiration date.
7. DropSend: Send Large Files From Any Device
DropSend allows you to quickly send large files like videos. You upload your file, provide the recipient's email address, and send. The recipient doesn't need an account or any software; they simply download the file. You can specify the validity of the link from one to 14 days. DropSend uses 256-bit AES security to keep your files secure.
Depending on the payment plan, you get either 10GB or 25GB of storage, with no limit on individual upload limits providing it doesn't go beyond the total storage capacity. While DropSend used to offer a free plan, it now only offers a free trial of the paid plans.
You also get access to DropSend Direct. It's a nifty drag-and-drop uploader for Mac and PC to upload and send large files. DropSend also offers Outlook plugin and mobile apps for Android and iOS.
8. SendThisFile: End-to-End Encrypted Transfers
SendThisFile is a different kind of file sharing service. It places limits on the number of transfers you do rather than on the individual file size itself. Create a free account and click the Send Files button to start uploading files. Type in the recipient email address and click Send. The free plan lets you send files up to 2GB with unlimited file transfer.
The premium plan starts with 25GB encrypted file transfer and remains valid for six days. The paid plan also includes Outlook plugin, option to use password protected download capabilities, and embed files on your website with access control features. All plans include AES–256 encryption and 128-bit TLS encryption for end-to-end-transmission.
Remain Cautious: Don't Open Unknown Email Attachments
When you want to send large files via email, it's always wise to rely on specialized, secure cloud storage and transfer tools. The services discussed in this article are some of the best ways to send large files without any issues. Plus, for basic use, they are free.
Also, while this covers sending attachments, be cautious when receiving them. You probably know not to open attachments from people you don't trust. The same remains true for any file or link you might receive from one of the services above.
Source: makeuseof
