How to Send Large Files With Gmail

Key Takeaways 

• Compressing the files on Mac or Windows before attaching them is the most straightforward option.
• You may upload the files to services like OneDrive or Google Drive and send the upload link via Gmail.
• Using third-party solutions like WeTransfer is also an effective way of transferring files.

Method 1: Compress and Send

ZIP archive files work like a standard folder on your computer. With zipped files, the contents are compressed to reduce file size. A recipient can extract the file and use it in the original format.

Compress on Mac

Step 1: Open Finder on Mac and select the files you want to compress.

Step 2: Right-click on them and select Compress from the context menu.

Step 4: macOS will create a ZIP file.

You can now compose an email in Gmail, click the attachment icon, and attach the ZIP file to send.

Compress on Windows

Step 1: Press Windows + E keys to open the File Explorer menu.

Step 2: Select the media files you want to compress.

Step 3: Right-click on them and select Compress to ZIP file from the context menu.

Step 4: File Manager will create a ZIP file to share on Gmail.

You can now compose an email in Gmail, click the attachment icon, and attach the ZIP file to send.

You may check out various ways to reduce a file size.

Method 2: Using Google Drive Link

All personal Google accounts get 15 GB of free storage. You can upload your large files to Google Drive and generate a sharing link to send over Gmail.

Step 1: Visit Google Drive on the web.

Step 2: Log in with your Google account details.

Step 3: Check the available Drive storage from the left sidebar.

Step 4: Select the New button in the top-left corner and click File upload.

Step 5: Select the files you want to send over Gmail.

Step 6: Once you upload files to Google Drive, select it and click the link icon at the top.

Step 7: The general access is restricted by default. Expand it and select Anyone with the link.

Step 8: Select from three permissions for the recipient – Viewer, Commenter, or Editor. Select the Copy link button.

Step 9: Open Gmail online and log in with your Google account details, then Compose a new email, add the recipient’s email address and subject, and paste the Google Drive link.

Step 10: Hit the Send button.

Method 3: Using OneDrive Link

While Google Drive is ideal for consumers, professionals may want extra security when sharing sensitive files. Microsoft’s OneDrive is a good choice for sharing large files in a professional environment. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open the OneDrive site in a web browser and sign in with Microsoft account details.

Step 2: Select Create or Upload at the top and select Files Upload or Folder Upload.

Step 3: Select the files you want to upload to OneDrive.

Step 4: Click the file or folder and hit the Share button at the top.

Step 5: Select the Anyone with the link can edit option.

Step 6: Set the expiration date and password if needed, and hit the Apply button.

Step 7: OneDrive will generate a link to share on Gmail.

Step 8: Compose an email using Gmail (refer to the steps above).

Step 9: Paste the link and hit the Send button.

Method 4: Send Large Files Using WeTransfer

The WeTransfer method allows you to set an expiration date on the file, just like OneDrive allows. You can add files of up to 2 GB free. The steps are below.

Step 1: Navigate to the WeTransfer site.

Step 2: Click Add files Or select a folder, then select your file.

Step 3: Scroll down, tick the get transfer link, and click the button for Get a link.