
How to Send Big Files via Email: A Detailed Guide
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to send a large file via email but are unable to do so because of the file size limit? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people face this issue, but there are several ways to overcome it. In this article, I will guide you through various methods to send big files via email, ensuring that your files reach their intended recipients without any hassle.
Understanding Email File Size Limits
Email services often have a file size limit for attachments. For instance, Gmail has a limit of 25 MB for attachments. If your file exceeds this limit, you will need to find an alternative method to send it. It’s important to be aware of these limits before you start the process.
Email Service | File Size Limit |
---|---|
Gmail | 25 MB |
Yahoo Mail | 25 MB |
Outlook.com | 20 MB |
ProtonMail | 500 MB |
As you can see from the table above, some email services have higher limits than others. However, even with these higher limits, you may still encounter issues when sending very large files.
Using Cloud Storage Services
One of the most popular methods to send big files via email is by using cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. These services allow you to upload your files to the cloud and then share them with others via a link. Here’s how you can do it:
- Sign up for a free account on a cloud storage service of your choice.
- Upload the file you want to send to the cloud storage service.
- Generate a shareable link for the file.
- Copy the link and paste it into your email.
- Send the email to the recipient.
This method is not only convenient but also secure, as you can set permissions for the file, such as allowing the recipient to view or edit the file.
Using Email Services with Larger Limits
Some email services offer plans with higher file size limits. For example, ProtonMail offers a plan with a 500 MB limit, which is significantly higher than the standard limits of most email services. If you frequently need to send large files, you may want to consider upgrading to a plan with a higher limit.
Using File Compression Tools
Another method to send big files via email is by compressing the file using a file compression tool such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. These tools reduce the file size by compressing the data, making it easier to send via email. Here’s how you can do it:
- Download and install a file compression tool on your computer.
- Right-click on the file you want to send and select “Compress” or “Add to archive.”
- Name the compressed file and choose the desired compression level.
- Send the compressed file as an attachment in your email.
Keep in mind that while this method reduces the file size, it may not always be the most efficient, especially if you need to send multiple large files.
Using Online File Sharing Services
Online file sharing services such as WeTransfer or Send Anywhere allow you to upload large files and share them with others via a link. These services often have no file size limit, making them an excellent choice for sending big files. Here’s how you can use WeTransfer as an example:
- Go to the WeTransfer website and upload the file you want to send.
- Enter the recipient’s email address and your email address.
- Select the expiration date for the link (optional).
- Click “Transfer” to generate a shareable link.
- Copy the link and paste it into your email.
- Send the email to the recipient.