Send Large Files Like a Pro
Sending large files like your vacation photos and videos can seem complicated. The normal sending channels provide limits but rarely do they present options. Here is a list of simple ways to send large files.
How large are the files?
Knowing the size of the files will help you determine the best way to send them. To see the combined size of your files, place all the files you wish to send into a folder. Now right-click that folder then click Properties (PC) or Get Info (Mac).
Physical File Transfer via USB or External Drive
If you are physically close to the person, it is easiest to copy the files onto a USB flash drive or external hard drive and simply give it to them.
ZIP Files for Easier Management
Do you have more than 2 files to send? Instead of sending the files individually, make a ZIP file to send everything as one. The ZIP file also compresses the data to decrease the overall sending size. To make a ZIP file, organize the files you wish to send into one folder, then follow the instructions below.PC: Select the folder you wish to send, right-click and select "Send to" > Compressed (ZIP) Folder.Mac: Select the folder you wish to send, right-click and select Compress Items.
Sending Through Email and the Internet
Emailing Individual Files
Most email clients allow sending files around 10MB-30MB. If each individual file is less than the limit, you could send them each in a separate email. This can start getting confusing quick so consider other options first.
Google Drive
Gmail has a 25MB sending limit, so if your files collectively are larger than that Google will upload the files to the cloud service Google Drive where you can send the files from. Google Drive has a free limit of 15GB so you won’t have to worry for a while about deleting files to make more room.
Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and file transfer service like Google Drive. The sending and receiving parties each need to have a Dropbox account and the free limit is 2GB.
Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is Microsoft’s version of Google Drive and has a 5GB free limit. If you are sending Office files a lot, this might be your best option.
Apple iCloud
If you like to use Apple products exclusively and are already familiar with iCloud and use Apple’s Mail for your email client, this might be your best option. You have to enable Mail Drop to increase the sending limit from 20MB to 5GB.
Sending Without Needing an Account
If you or the receiving party don’t have a Dropbox, iCloud or Google Drive account, there are a number of one-time use sending websites. WeTransfer (2GB limit) or DropSend (8GB limit) are popular sites that aim to make sending large files effortless and simple.Storage is getting cheaper and internet speeds are getting faster. Over time the file sending limits will undoubtedly increase.