We’ve all been there, sitting at our computers, trying to send an email only to be met with the dreaded ‘file too large’ notification. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to send large files by email and the recipient is eagerly waiting on the other end. But fear not, because there are several solutions to this common problem. Let’s dive into some practical ways to send large files by email without hitting those size limits.

Email Size Limits: Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the solutions, it’s important to understand why email size limits exist in the first place. Email servers have size restrictions to prevent spam and to ensure that their systems can handle the volume of emails being sent and received. These limits can vary, but they typically range from 2MB to 50MB. When you’re trying to send large files (In Portugal, it is called “enviar grandes arquivos“) by email, you’re likely going to bump up against these limits.

Compress Your Files

One of the simplest ways to reduce the size of your files is by compressing them. Compression reduces the file size by removing unnecessary data and encoding the remaining data more efficiently. You can use various tools to compress your files, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or even built-in features in your operating system. For example, on a Mac, you can right-click a file and select ‘Compress’ to create a .zip file. Once compressed, you can attach the smaller file to your email and send it without any issues.

Use Cloud Storage Services

Another effective method for sending large files by email is to use cloud storage services. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive allow you to upload your files to the cloud and then share a link with the recipient. This way, you’re not actually sending the file itself, but rather a link to access it. This method not only bypasses email size limits but also allows the recipient to access the file from any device with an internet connection.

Leverage File Transfer Services

For those times when you need to send large files by email and cloud storage isn’t an option, consider using file transfer services. These services are designed specifically for sending large files and can handle sizes that would otherwise be impossible to send via email. Terabox, for instance, is a service that allows you to send large files by email with ease. With Terabox, you can upload your file to their platform, and they will handle the transfer, ensuring that your recipient receives the file without any hassle.

Split Your Files

If you’re dealing with a particularly large file that can’t be compressed or split into smaller parts, consider splitting the file into multiple parts and sending them in separate emails. This method can be time-consuming and requires the recipient to reassemble the parts once they’ve received all the emails. However, it’s a viable option when other methods aren’t feasible. Just make sure to clearly communicate to the recipient how to reassemble the files once they’ve received all the parts.

Opt for Email Clients with Built-in Solutions

Some email clients come with built-in solutions for sending large files by email. For example, Gmail allows you to send attachments up to 25MB in size. If you’re a Google Workspace user, you can send files up to 150MB. Other email clients may have similar features or integrations with cloud storage services, making it easier to send large files without hitting size limits.

Utilize Email Gateways

Email gateways are another tool in your arsenal for sending large files by email. These gateways act as intermediaries between you and the recipient, allowing you to send larger files by temporarily storing them and then forwarding them to the recipient. This can be a useful solution, especially for businesses that need to send large files regularly. Terabox, for example, operates as an email gateway, making it simple to send large files by email without worrying about size limits.
Conclusion

Sending large files by email can be a challenge, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s entirely possible. Whether you’re compressing your files, using cloud storage, leveraging file transfer services like Terabox, splitting your files, utilizing email clients with built-in solutions, or employing email gateways, there’s a solution out there for you. The key is to find the method that works best for your specific needs and to communicate clearly with your recipients to ensure a smooth file transfer process. So the next time you’re faced with a ‘file too large’ notification, remember these tips and send those large files with confidence.