Sending large file attachments via email can be challenging due to size limitations imposed by most email providers. For example, Gmail and Outlook only allow attachments up to 25MB and 20MB in size respectively. Exceeding these limits will result in bounced back emails.
Fortunately, there are several clever workarounds that will enable you to send large files up to 2GB in size. This guide will walk you through the top methods for sending big file attachments.
Table of Contents
Check Email Provider Attachment Size Limits
The first step is to check the attachment size limit imposed by your email service provider. Here are the most common size restrictions:
- Gmail: 25MB
- Outlook: 20MB
- Yahoo: 25MB
- iCloud: 20MB
Keep this number in mind as you prepare your attachments. If it exceeds the limit, you’ll need to utilize one of the methods below.
Use Cloud Storage Services
The easiest way to send large file attachments is by using a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Here’s a simple 3-step process:
- Upload the large files to Google Drive, Dropbox, etc
- Share the file links with the recipient
- Paste the links into your email body
Most cloud services offer at least 2GB of free storage, with affordable paid plans available. This method also gives recipients indefinite access to the files.
Pro Tip: Enable link permissions in your cloud account settings for added security.
Compress Large Files
Another option is to compress your file attachments using an archiver tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR. This can shrink files down to just 10-20% of their original size.
Follow these steps:
- Install a file archiver program
- Select your large files and compress into a .zip, .rar or .7z file
- Attach the compressed archive to your email as usual
The recipient will need to uncompress the archive to access the files. This trades off convenience for the ability to send very large attachments.
Use File Transfer Services
For ad hoc file transfers, consider using a dedicated service like WeTransfer or Dropbox Transfer.
These tools allow you to easily send large files up to 2GB or more. Simply upload your files to their servers and share the download link with recipients via email.
Most file transfer services offer free accounts with file size limits around 2GB. Paid plans unlock higher capacities and added features.
Split Large Files Into Smaller Parts
As a last resort, you can split a very large file into smaller parts in order to attach them to multiple emails.
This tedious manual process works as follows:
- Use a file splitter program to divide the large file
- Save each segment into separate files (e.g. part1, part2)
- Attach the split files to individual emails
- Instruct the recipient to recombine using the same software
File splitting should only be used when no other method will suffice. It places a burden on recipients to reassemble file parts.
Conclusion
- Check your email provider’s attachment size limit before sending large files
- Use cloud storage services like Google Drive to transfer big files
- Compress attachments with an archiving tool like 7-Zip
- Dedicated file transfer sites offer free sending of large documents
- As a last resort, split files into smaller parts to attach separately
With several clever workarounds at your disposal, size constraints should no longer prevent you from sending even very large file attachments via email. Choose the method that best balances convenience, speed and security based on your specific needs.
