Ways to Share Larger Files

How do you share large files via the Internet? In general, you have two options: to upload it to some file-sharing service or to put it as an email attachment. The latter works only if the file you’re sharing is not too big to fit inside email (plus even if it’s small enough, you can’t be sure your recipient will be able to receive it). Eventually, you’ll need to use some online storage service, therefore, we’ll introduce the most popular one to you.

The first option, however, allows you to share bigger files without having to leave Outlook or Gmail account. Since they allow you to send files of 25 MB maximum size, you can split bigger files into smaller (up to 25 MB) chunks and send them in separate messages. In this case, the recipient would need to download all parts and join them in order to restore the original file. Sometimes, your recipient might not be as skilled to do so, so it would be better to find some easier downloading way.

For sending huge files, there are online storage services such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox. OneDrive allows users to upload single files of 2 GB maximum size, while Google Drive goes a step further: the individual size limit is 1000 GB (1 TB, yes!). But, if you, by any chance want to upload something bigger than that, Dropbox has no size limit if you upload files through your desktop application.

Above mentioned storage places are certainly the most popular, but there are few more. WeTransfer is a free web application that allows users to send files up to 2 GB in size, directly from their browser. What’s more, there is no need to register for the service, all WeTransfer asks for is the email address of the recipient(s). After uploading, the file stays on the servers for a week.

If, however, you want to send a file directly to your recipient without uploading it anywhere, JustBeamIt is an option for you. It’s a peer-to-peer application, which means file transfer happens between sender’s and recipient’s computer directly. Infinit is another similar desktop app that uses peer-to-peer file transfer and, what’s more, it’s available for both Windows and Mac. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of file sharing via Skype. If you already use this app for calling your friends and family, why wouldn’t you use it for peer-to-peer sharing, too?