Ever tried to email a friend a video or a high-resolution photo, only to find out it’s too big? It’s a common frustration, right? We’ve all been there. And it’s even more annoying when you need to share important documents that are just too large to fit in a regular email.
In this blog post, we’ll show you a few simple tricks to get those big files sent without any hassle. No more worrying about file size limits! Let’s explore in and learn how to send large files using Gmail.
Outline
ToggleWhat Is the Gmail Attachment Size Limit?
Gmail has a specific limit for the size of attachments you can send via email. The maximum file size for attachments is 25 megabytes (MB). When your files exceed this limit, Gmail offers a convenient workaround by integrating with Google Drive, its cloud storage service.
Here’s how it works:
- Attachment Size Limit: If you try to attach files that total more than 25 MB, Gmail automatically prompts you to upload these files to Google Drive. Once uploaded, Gmail inserts a link to these files in your email instead of the traditional attachment.
- Google Drive Integration: By using Google Drive, you can send much larger files. Google Drive allows you to share files up to 15 gigabytes (GB) in size, provided this does not exceed the total storage space available in your Drive. For users with a free Google account, the total storage limit across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos is 15 GB. For Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) users, this limit can be higher, depending on the plan.
- Sharing via Link: When you use Google Drive to share large files, recipients receive a link to download the file. You can control the privacy settings for each file, choosing whether recipients can view, comment on, or edit the file. This method is not only helpful for circumventing Gmail’s file size limit but also enhances collaboration.
- Sending Large Files Directly: For sending extremely large files that exceed even Google Drive’s limits, or if you prefer not to use Google services, several third-party services like WeTransfer, SendAnywhere, or Dropbox offer the ability to send large files. These services typically involve uploading your file to a server and then sharing a link with the recipient, similar to Google Drive.
How To Send Large Files In Gmail?
1. Using Google Drive
Using Google Drive to send large files via Gmail is one of the most effective methods to bypass the Gmail file size limits. This integration between Gmail and Google Drive allows for a smooth transition of large files, circumventing the traditional attachment size limit in Gmail. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use Google Drive for this purpose:
Method: 1
This is the preferred method for files exceeding 25MB. Gmail automatically uploads the file to your Drive and inserts a link in the email.
Steps:
- Compose a new email in Gmail.
- Click the paperclip icon (Attach a file).
- Select the large file you want to send.
- Gmail will upload the file to your Drive and create a link. You’ll see a message indicating this.
- Compose your email and click Send.
Method: 2
In this method, a user can directly head to Google Drive to share their files. Below are the steps you can follow.
- Go to your Google Drive.
- Navigate to the file you want to share on your computer.
- Drag and drop the file into the Google Drive window or click “Select files to upload“.
- Once uploaded, find the file in your Google Drive and right-click on it.
- Choose “Share” from the context menu.
- Click on “Get link” or “Copy link”. You’ll have options to control who can access the file (anyone with the link, specific people, etc.).
- Copy the generated link and paste it into your Gmail message for the recipient to access the file.
2. Via Compressed files
You cannot increase Gmail’s attachment size limit, but you can reduce the size of your files by compressing them into a ZIP folder. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the file on your computer that you want to compress.
- Right-click on the file to open the context menu.
- Select the “Compress” option.
- Choose a compression format, such as ZIP or RAR, and adjust any quality settings if needed.
- Choose a destination folder and name for your compressed file.
- Open Gmail and start composing a new email.
- Click on the paperclip icon to attach files.
- Find and select your compressed file, then click “Open” to attach it.
- Press “Send” to send your email with the compressed attachment.
How To Send Large Files In Gmail On Mobile?
Sending large files via Gmail on your phone can be challenging due to the 25MB size limit. However, using Google Drive makes it simple to bypass this restriction. Here’s how:
- Open the Gmail app and compose a new email.
- Tap the paperclip icon to attach a file.
- Instead of selecting “Attach file,” choose “Insert from Drive.”
- Navigate to “My Drive” and find the large file you want to send.
- Select the file and tap “Insert.”
A link to the file in Google Drive will be added to your email, allowing the recipient to access it by clicking the link.
Note:
- Ensure the recipient has permission to view the file in your Google Drive.
- Uploading large files may take a while depending on your internet connection.
Alternative Methods For Sending Big Files Via Gmail
Sometimes, even with tools like Google Drive or compression, you might find yourself needing other ways to send large files through Gmail. Here are some alternative methods that can be particularly useful when dealing with very large files or when other options are not available:
- Third-Party Cloud Services:
- Dropbox: Upload your file to Dropbox and then share a link via Gmail. Dropbox allows you to send files of virtually any size, depending on your storage plan.
- WeTransfer: For files up to 2 GB, WeTransfer offers a free service where you can upload your file and send a link to it via email. For larger files, their paid service allows up to 20 GB per transfer.
- OneDrive: Similar to Google Drive, Microsoft’s OneDrive allows you to store files and share them via a link through Gmail. This can be particularly useful for users who utilize Microsoft Office products.
- File Splitting Software:
- Splitting large files into smaller parts can help circumvent email attachment limits. Tools like HJSplit or 7-Zip allow you to divide a large file into manageable pieces that can be sent individually and reassembled by the recipient. This method is particularly useful for very large files that exceed the limits of most cloud storage services.
- Direct File Transfer Apps:
- Apps like Send Anywhere or SHAREit enable you to transfer large files directly between devices without the need for cloud storage. These apps generate a link or a QR code that the recipient can use to download the file directly to their device.
- FTP And SFTP Services:
- For professional or business contexts where large files are regularly exchanged, setting up an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server can be an effective solution. This method involves a bit more technical setup but provides a reliable and secure way to send large files.
- VPN And Local Networks:
- If you and your recipient are on the same local network or connected via VPN (Virtual Private Network), you can transfer files directly between computers without size restrictions. This method ensures fast transfer speeds and is secure within the network.
Tools For Sending Large Files In Gmail
When dealing with the limitations of sending large files via Gmail, having the right tools can make the process much easier and more efficient. Here are some key tools and services that can help you send large files effectively:
- Cloud Storage Integration Tools:
- Google Drive: As previously mentioned, it’s integrated directly with Gmail and allows for the sending of files up to 15 GB for free users, and more with paid plans.
- Dropbox for Gmail: This is a Chrome extension that integrates Dropbox with your Gmail account, allowing you to send large files directly through Dropbox without leaving your Gmail interface.
- Compression Tools:
- 7-Zip: A free software that offers high compression ratios, especially for ZIP and GZIP formats, which can be crucial for reducing file sizes before sending them as email attachments.
- WinRAR: Known for its effectiveness in compressing large files and its ability to create multi-part archives that can be sent in sequences and reassembled by the recipient.
- File Transfer Services:
- WeTransfer: Allows the transfer of files up to 2 GB for free and up to 20 GB for Pro users. It’s user-friendly and doesn’t require the recipient to have an account, making it a convenient option for one-time large file transfers.
- Send Anywhere: Provides a way to send large files directly using a 6-digit code, without the need for the sender and receiver to be online at the same time, which is unique compared to other services.
- Email Client Plugins And Extensions:
- Mail Big File: A service that allows you to send files up to 2GB for free, with plugins available for integration with various email clients.
- Filemail: An extension that lets you send extremely large files (up to 50 GB for free users) directly from your email client.
- FTP And SFTP Clients:
- FileZilla: A powerful FTP client that’s well-suited for transferring very large files directly to a server or hosting account, providing an alternative to email-based file transfers.
- Cyberduck: Known for its ease of use and support for both FTP and SFTP, making it a great option for secure file transfers.
FAQs:
If the recipient is unable to open the file, double-check the file format and ensure they have the necessary software installed. If the issue persists, ask the recipient to try downloading the file again or contact you for assistance.
Gmail does not allow folders to be directly attached to an email. However, you can compress the folder into a ZIP file and attach the ZIP file, or upload the folder to Google Drive and share a link to the folder in your email.
For sending large video files from an Android device, you can either use Google Drive to upload the video and share a link via Gmail, or use compression apps available on the Google Play Store to reduce the file size before attaching it to your email.
You can share the file once on Google Drive and include the link in an email addressed to multiple recipients. Ensure your sharing settings allow all intended recipients to access the link.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sending large files via Gmail is a simple and efficient process. For files up to 25 MB, attach them directly to your email. For anything larger, Google Drive offers a convenient solution—just upload your file and include a link in your email. This method not only keeps your email clutter-free but also ensures the secure and reliable sharing of large files. With these tools, Gmail makes it incredibly easy to manage and send large documents without a hitch.