Email is a convenient way to share files and collaborate on projects. While you may be used to attaching individual files, it’s also possible to send entire folders through email by compressing them into a ZIP file.
This allows you to bundle multiple files, subfolders, and large amounts of content into one easy-to-send attachment. Read on to learn how to zip up folders and send them over email.
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How to Send a Folder via Email
Sending a folder filled with multiple files via email is surprisingly possible. But, in order to achieve that, you need to convert the folder into a ZIP file so it can be picked up by the email service. In this guide, I’ll help you to send a folder over email.
1. Right-click on the folder you want to send. Select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
2. Now the ZIP version of the folder has been created. This is the one that you can send.
3. Go to your email service and compose a new email.
4. Click Attach files (paper clip icon). Most email services use this icon to upload files.
5. Select the zipped file you created, then hit Open.
6. Wait until the upload process finished. For Gmail users, the maximum allowed size is 25MB, larger files will occupy capacity in Google Drive.
7. Now, hit the Send button.
8. The receiver could download the file and extract it to access the content inside.
So, that’s how you upload a ‘folder’ and send it to your friends via email. Some email providers may limit the maximum attachment size. Hence, for sharing bigger files it best to use cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Considerations When Emailing Folders
There are a few things to keep in mind when sending folders via email:
- Attachment size limits: Most email providers have limits on attachment sizes, often around 25MB. Very large folders may exceed these limits. For oversized folders, consider using file sharing tools like Dropbox instead.
- File paths: The full path to files and subfolders is not always maintained when extracting a ZIP file on another computer. Links between files may get broken if they rely on specific file paths.
- Sensitive content: Email is not the most secure method for sending sensitive or confidential data. Encrypting the ZIP file provides more protection.
- Organization: Clearly label ZIP file attachments and explain the context in your email message so recipients know what they’re receiving.
Following best practices helps ensure recipients can successfully extract your folder attachment. Take the recipient’s email provider and technical skills into consideration as well.
FAQs
How do I email a folder and its contents?
You can’t directly email a folder. Instead, compress the folder into a ZIP file on your computer, then attach this ZIP file to your email. If the ZIP file is larger than 25 MB, consider using a cloud storage service like Google Drive and share the link instead.
To share a folder in an email, you need to compress the folder into a ZIP file and attach it to your email. If the ZIP file exceeds the email size limit, you can upload the ZIP file to a cloud storage service like Google Drive and share the link in the email.
How do I email an entire folder in Gmail?
In Gmail, you can’t directly email a folder. You need to compress the folder into a ZIP file and attach this ZIP file to your email. If the ZIP file is larger than 25 MB, you can upload the folder to Google Drive and share the link in your email.
How do I compress a folder to email?
On a Windows computer, right-click the folder, go to “Send to”, and click “Compressed (zipped) folder”. On a Mac, control-click the file you wish to compress and click “Compress”. Then, select .zip from the dropdown menu to the right of the filename. The compressed file can then be attached to an email.
