If you’re looking to Send Large Files, there are a few different ways to do it. There are dedicated file transfer services, cloud storage providers and email providers that have partnerships with file sharing apps. Depending on your specific needs, one option may be better than another.
Cloud storage services are a great option for anyone that wants to easily share files with friends and colleagues without having to use an app or service specifically designed for it. With a variety of storage limits available, including free options with unlimited uploads and more expensive paid plans that include features like password protection and file encryption, there is bound to be an option that suits your needs.
Using an email provider that integrates with your cloud storage account is a simple way to get around most email attachment size limits. For example, Gmail allows you to connect your Google Drive account so that when you create a new message and attempt to attach a file that is larger than 25MB, it will automatically upload to your Drive and create a link that you can share instead. The only downside to this method is that the uploaded file will continue to take up space in your Drive until you manually delete it.
There are also dedicated file transfer services that allow you to send files up to 2 GB in size. Some of these services require registration but many do not, and the process is generally similar: select your destination email, enter your email address, a title, and a message, then add the files you want to send. Once you’re ready to send, the website will generate a download link that you can copy and paste into any platform where you want to share the file (including text messages and Slack).
Other file sharing services offer even more flexibility. For example, MEGA offers private data encryption and no limit on file size, although it does have a maximum amount of storage that can be transferred in a month depending on the plan you choose. If you’re a business user, it may be worth paying for a more robust plan with more features like team management and admin controls.
If you don’t want to upload your files to the cloud, there are also tools that can help you compress or “zip” them so they take up less storage on your computer. This isn’t always effective, especially if your file is already small enough to be within the email attachment limit, but it can help with smaller files that are just over the limit.
Lastly, a USB flash drive is an old-school but reliable way to share files with colleagues and friends in person. It’s easy to keep a few of these handy so you can quickly pass files along at meetings or conferences, and it takes some of the strain off everyone’s personal computers and devices. You can find cheap or even free USB drives at most electronic stores. Send Large Files