- 8shares
- 8
If you’re now wondering how to send large files then most likely you’re stuck and can’t send files due to their size. Picture the scene – you have just composed the perfect email. It is exactly what you wanted to say, and you are confident it will achieve the desired results. You prepare to send it and attach the accompanying important files.
The files, however, are 250MB total in size. You hit the send button… nothing happens… you wait, and you wait. Still nothing. Eventually, you receive a timeout message – your email cannot be sent as the files are too large!
We have all been in this situation – it is infuriating. Luckily, modern technology has progressed somewhat. There is now a myriad of ways that you can transfer large files, both physically and over the internet. In this article we look at 6 different ways of how to send large files, thus allowing you to conquer the limitations of conventional email!
Why can’t you send large files via email?
Let’s first look at why you can’t simply use email to share large files. Unfortunately, most email providers or email hosts impose limitations on file size sending.
We have provided a list of the maximum file sizes for some of the most popular email service providers:
- Microsoft Outlook – 20MB
- Gmail – 25MB
- Yahoo Mail – 25MB
- AOL – 25MB
As you can see, 20-25 MB is the maximum size in most instances. This limit is imposed to regulate bandwidth usage and to ensure that email exchange servers are not overloaded.
What can you send with a 25MB file limit? Not much! For example, a single RAW photo can be upwards of 30MB. Furthermore, most HD videos span into hundreds of MB – essentially, 25MB is nothing at all. Hence why you must understand how to send large files using the methods listed below:
1. Use a cloud storage service
Cloud storage services are undoubtedly the most effective way to transfer big files. These services have cloud servers that you can access and upload files too. You can then share these files with other users who also use the service. Examples of popular cloud storage services for free file transfer include:
- Dropbox
- Amazon Drive
- Google Drive
- iCloud Drive
- Dropbox
The maximum file size varies depending on the provider, but needless to say, they all have file limits much larger than conventional email. Some of these cloud storage services are also free to use up to a certain storage limit.
Using cloud storage services you can share virtually any type of file and they are extremely easy to use.
2. Use file compression software
This is a tried and tested method that has been used for many years. There is a range of software available that allows you to compress files significantly. We don’t mean the standard Windows compression method – we mean dedicated software that uses advanced processes to compress files.
One of the best examples is 7-Zip. This is a versatile program that can be used to compress files without the loss of data – it is available for Windows, MAC, and Linux devices. Using compression software like 7-Zip or WinZip or WinZip free alternatives, you can reduce file sizes significantly.
Remember that the recipient must also have the compression software to unpack the files once received.
3. Use a free sharing service
Aside from using generic cloud storage services, there is a myriad of dedicated file sending services that can help you with file transfer. These are secure sites that allow you to send large files. Two popular file sharing services are Jumpshare and Securely Send.
Jumpshare is an excellent online platform that allows you to send over 200 different file formats. Moreover, you can send files up to 250MB in size. When using this service, a sharable link is created which you can forward on to the recipient easily.
Securely Send is a similar platform that offers excellent security practices for sending large files. Users can send files up to 2GB in size. Files can also be password protected.
4. Use a USB Flash drive or external HDD
If you expect to have physical contact with the file recipient, you can use the traditional method of free file transfer and external USB flash drive, or an external HDD.
Today we have immense external storage devices that can hold huge amounts of data. For example, you can purchase external HDD’s that have a 3TB (Terabyte) storage capacity – that’s a lot of movies and media files!
Alternatively, there is even a range of USB flash drives that are capable of storing 128GB of data – still much more than you could send via email. Flash drives and external HDDs are particularly useful for intercompany transfers or business professionals who have frequent contact.
5. Use Firefox Send
Firefox is one of the most popular web browsers available. Mozilla has also recently ventured into the world of file transfer too via their Firefox Send service. This is a fantastic online service that allows users to send files up to 2.5GB in size.
To use this service you must have a registered account, but this is a simple process that takes a few minutes. Once registered, you can then use the Firefox Send service to send large files. Simply drag or upload files you wish to send and set the parameters – a link is then generated.
The best thing about this free file transfer service is that the link is fully encrypted and expires after a pre-determined period which provides additional security.
6. Use Filemail
Filemail is an interesting online service that allows you to compose and send emails to recipients around the world. It also allows you to send large files with relative ease and security. This is a free file transfer service and allows you to send 50GB of files via email. There is a premium upgrade too which provides more storage and features.
To use the service, simply fill out the email form and attach your files or folders. The interface is easy, and you can fill out the email form in mere minutes. Once you have sent it, the recipient will receive the email, and a link to download the attached files – simple!
We hope you have found this guide on how to send large files useful. With the array of technology the internet provides, sending large files should no longer be an issue. Cloud storage services, compression software, and specialized sending services all make the process simple. Make sure you have reliable antivirus software installed when it comes to downloading the files to your computer.