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Emailing Large Files

The Best Options for Sending Large Files

As Creative Entrepreneurs we are often tasked with sending files to colleagues or clients of our creative work, whether it's images, design ideas or prototypes. However, we quickly realize sending large files isn't as simple as just attaching the file to an email.

The types of files and the number of files we work with as Creative Entrepreneurs often grow too big to send via email. Let's explore some of the best options for sending large files.

The Problem of Sending Large Files via Email

It is common for mail servers to have a maximum file size for attachments. As I explored my options for sending a large file, I had three criteria:

• Free
• Secure
• No account or sign-in needed (which also means files are eventually deleted — usually within 5–7 days)

Web/App Options vs Cloud Drives

There are two different types of online options:

1. Using a website or app
2. Using a Cloud Drive option like Google Drive or Dropbox

Web/App Options for Sending Large Files

WeTransfer

WeTransfer is free for up to 2GB. It does not require an account. Files are encrypted during transfer and storage, and are only accessible through unique links sent to the recipient and sender.

The recipient receives an email with a download link valid for 7 days — after which the file is deleted from the server.

TransferNow

TransferNow allows up to 4GB file size. You can include up to 250 files per transfer, sent to up to 20 people. Even on the free account, you get useful extras:

• Password-protect your transfer
• Choose sending and expiration dates
• Set receipt confirmation

Other Online Options

I looked at several other recommended options, but didn't consider them since they required an account: Dropbox, TransferBigFiles, SendAnywhere, and MediaFire. If you send large files regularly, setting up an account with one of these may be worth it for tracking your transfers.

Cloud Drives for Sending Large Files

With cloud drives, you upload your file and share it directly. This requires setting up an account with the service of your choice.

Google Drive

Google Drive is very popular. If you have a Gmail account, you get up to 10GB of free storage. You can share a folder or file easily by right-clicking and entering someone's email address — even if they don't have a Google account, they'll receive a download link.

Dropbox

Dropbox is also very popular, though free accounts are limited to 2GB. You can easily send a Dropbox link by right-clicking a file, copying the link, and pasting it into an email. Recipients without a Dropbox account can still view and download the file.

A Note on Minimizing PDF Files

If you need to send a large PDF, check the export settings inside the authoring program (MS Word, Excel, etc.) or inside Adobe Acrobat to make sure the document is being optimized for the smallest file size before sending.