Email is a popular way to send and receive files, but it can be challenging to send large files due to email providers’ attachment size limits. However, there are several ways to send large files via email.
Bbest ways to send large files via email:
- Use cloud storage services Cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive allow you to upload and share files with others. Instead of sending the file as an attachment, you can share the link to the file stored on the cloud storage service. This is a great option for large files as most cloud storage services offer generous storage limits.
To share a file using a cloud storage service, follow these steps:
Step 1: Upload the file to the cloud storage service.
Step 2: Click on the share icon and choose to create a shareable link.
Step 3: Copy the shareable link and paste it into the body of your email.
The recipient can then click on the link to download the file from the cloud storage service.
- Use file compression software File compression software, such as WinZip or 7Zip, compresses large files into a smaller size, making it easier to send them via email. When you compress a file, the file is zipped, reducing its size while maintaining its quality.
To compress a file, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install a file compression software such as WinZip or 7Zip.
Step 2: Right-click on the file you want to compress.
Step 3: Choose the "Compress" option.
Step 4: Attach the compressed file to your email.
The recipient can then download the compressed file and extract its contents.
- Use a file transfer service File transfer services such as WeTransfer or SendSpace allow you to send large files without the need for email attachments. Instead, you upload the file to the file transfer service, and the recipient receives a link to download the file.
To use a file transfer service, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit a file transfer service such as WeTransfer or SendSpace.
Step 2: Upload the file you want to send.
Step 3: Enter the recipient's email address and your email address.
Step 4: Click the "Send" button.
The recipient will receive a link to download the file from the file transfer service.
- Use a secure file sharing platform If you need to send sensitive or confidential files, it is best to use a secure file sharing platform. Platforms such as ShareFile or SecureDrop provide a secure way to share files, ensuring that they are protected from unauthorized access.
To use a secure file sharing platform, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign up for a secure file sharing platform.
Step 2: Upload the file you want to share.
Step 3: Create a shareable link.
Step 4: Send the link to the recipient.
The recipient can then click on the link to download the file from the secure file sharing platform.
- Use email add-ons Several email add-ons, such as Mozilla Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, allow you to send large files via email. These add-ons work by uploading the file to a server and sending a link to the recipient instead of attaching the file to the email.
To use an email add-on, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and install the email add-on.
Step 2: Attach the large file to your email.
Step 3: Click on the add-on icon and choose to upload the file to the server.
Step 4: Send the email.
The recipient will receive a link to download the file from the server.
Tips for sending large files via email:
- Check the file size Before sending a large file via email, it is essential to check its size. Most email providers have a file attachment size limit, and if the file exceeds this limit, the email will bounce back or not be sent at all. To avoid this, ensure that the file is within the attachment size limit.
-
Compress files before sending Compressing files is an effective way of reducing their size before sending. This is particularly useful for files such as images or videos, which can be quite large. Compression software such as WinZip or 7Zip can be used to compress files and make them smaller.
-
Use a secure file sharing platform When sending sensitive or confidential files, it is essential to use a secure file sharing platform. Such platforms provide end-to-end encryption, ensuring that files are protected from unauthorized access.
-
Use cloud storage services Cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive offer generous storage limits, making them ideal for sharing large files. To use this method, upload the file to the cloud storage service and share the link with the recipient.
-
Consider using a file transfer service File transfer services such as WeTransfer and SendSpace allow you to send large files without the need for email attachments. Instead, you upload the file to the file transfer service, and the recipient receives a link to download the file.
Sending large files via email can be challenging, but there are several ways to overcome this challenge. Whether you use cloud storage services, compression software, file transfer services, or email add-ons, it is crucial to ensure that the files are within the attachment size limit and that they are sent securely to the recipient. By following these tips, you can easily send large files via email without any hassle