Ever tried to send a large file via email only to get hit with the dreaded “attachment too large” error? You’re not alone. Most email providers impose strict limits on attachment sizes, leaving you scrambling for alternatives when you need to share important files.
Why Email Has Attachment Limits
Email wasn’t designed to handle large files. Most providers cap attachments at 25MB, with some allowing up to 50MB. These limits exist for good reasons:
- Server storage constraints
- Network bandwidth considerations
- Email deliverability issues
- Security and spam prevention
When you try to send files larger than these limits, your email simply won’t go through. But don’t worry—there are better ways to share large files.
Method 1: Use Cloud Storage Links
The most common workaround is uploading your file to a cloud storage service and sharing a download link via email.
Popular Cloud Storage Options
Google Drive lets you upload up to 15GB for free. Upload your file, right-click to get a shareable link, and paste it in your email. Recipients can download without a Google account if you set permissions correctly.
Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage. The process is similar: upload, generate a link, and share. However, free accounts have bandwidth limits, so your link might stop working if too many people download.
OneDrive gives you 5GB free with a Microsoft account. It integrates well with Outlook, making it convenient if you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
The Downside of Cloud Storage
While these services work, they have limitations:
- You need an account (and so might recipients)
- Files stay in your storage, counting against your quota
- Links can be complex and unwieldy
- No built-in expiration means links live forever unless you manually delete them
- Sharing multiple files requires creating folders or ZIP archives
Method 2: File Sharing Services
Purpose-built file sharing services solve many of cloud storage’s problems. These platforms are designed specifically for sending files to others.
What to Look For
The best file sharing services offer:
- No account requirement for quick shares
- Automatic expiration to keep your inbox and storage clean
- Direct download links that work immediately
- Support for large files beyond email limits
- Simple interface without complicated folder structures
Traditional File Sharing
Services like WeTransfer have been popular for years. Upload your file, enter recipient email addresses, and they receive a download link. The free tier typically allows files up to 2GB with a 7-day expiration.
The catch? You have to wait for the upload to complete before getting your link. For large files, this means sitting around watching a progress bar.
Method 3: Link-First File Sharing
A newer approach flips the traditional model. Instead of upload-then-share, you get the link first and upload later.
How It Works
- Click to create a new share link
- Get your shareable URL immediately
- Upload files at your own pace
- Recipients see files appear in real-time
This “link-first” model is perfect for email because you can paste the link in your message right away, then upload files while your email is being read. No waiting, no delays.
Why This Matters for Email
When you’re composing an email, you want to send it now—not wait 20 minutes for an upload to finish. Getting the link first means you can:
- Write your email while files upload
- Share the same link in multiple emails
- Add more files after sending the email
- Let recipients start downloading while you’re still uploading
Step-by-Step: Sending Large Files via Email
Here’s the most efficient workflow for sharing large files through email:
Step 1: Choose Your Method
For one-time shares with no account needed, use a dedicated file sharing service. For recurring shares or files you need to keep, cloud storage might be better.
Step 2: Get Your Link
If using link-first sharing:
- Visit the service
- Create a new link (no upload required yet)
- Copy the URL to your clipboard
If using cloud storage:
- Upload your file first
- Generate a shareable link
- Copy the URL
Step 3: Compose Your Email
Write a clear email that includes:
- Context about what you’re sending
- The download link
- Any passwords or access instructions
- Expiration information if applicable
Example template:
Hi [Name],
Here are the files you requested: [paste link]
The link will be active for 7 days. Let me know if you have any trouble downloading.
Thanks,
[Your name]Step 4: Upload Your Files
If you got the link first, now’s the time to upload. Otherwise, this step is already done.
Step 5: Confirm Delivery
Send a quick follow-up if the files are time-sensitive, or ask for confirmation that the download worked.
Best Practices for Sharing Large Files
Security Considerations
- Use password protection for sensitive files
- Set expiration dates so links don’t live forever
- Avoid public links for confidential information
- Check recipient before sending to prevent leaks
File Preparation Tips
Compress when possible. ZIP files can significantly reduce size, especially for documents and images. Videos and already-compressed files won’t benefit much.
Split very large files. If you have a 50GB folder, consider breaking it into smaller chunks. This makes downloads more manageable and reduces the risk of corruption.
Name files clearly. Use descriptive filenames so recipients know what they’re downloading. “Q4_Report_Final.pdf” is better than “Document1.pdf.”
Communication Tips
Always include context in your email. Don’t just paste a link—explain what the recipient will find when they click it.
Mention the file size if it’s particularly large. “Heads up: this is a 2GB file” lets recipients plan their download.
Provide alternative contact methods in case something goes wrong. “Text me if the link doesn’t work” can save a lot of back-and-forth.
Common Problems and Solutions
”The Link Doesn’t Work”
First, check that you copied the full URL. Some links are long and can get truncated. If the link expired, you’ll need to re-upload and send a new one.
”The Download Is Too Slow”
Large files take time. Make sure the recipient has a stable internet connection. If they’re on mobile data, they might want to wait until they have WiFi.
”I Need to Send Files to Multiple People”
Create one link and send it to everyone. This is much more efficient than emailing files individually or creating separate uploads for each person.
”The Files Are Too Large Even for File Sharing”
Look for services that support very large files. Some handle up to 2GB on free tiers, while paid options can go much higher. For truly massive files (100GB+), consider specialized large file transfer services.
When to Use Each Method
Use email attachments directly when:
- Files are under 20MB
- You’re sending to one person
- You need the file in their email for record-keeping
Use cloud storage links when:
- You need to keep files accessible long-term
- You’re already using the platform
- Recipients need to collaborate on files
Use file sharing services when:
- Files are large but temporary
- You don’t want to manage storage
- Speed and simplicity matter most
- Recipients don’t need accounts
The Future of File Sharing
Email attachment limits aren’t going away. If anything, files are getting larger—4K videos, high-resolution photos, and complex documents all push against email’s constraints.
The solution isn’t bigger email—it’s better file sharing. Modern services focus on:
- Instant link generation
- No mandatory accounts
- Real-time sync
- Automatic cleanup
- Better security
Try Link-First Sharing
Want to send large files without the wait? FileGrab gives you a shareable link before you upload anything. No account required, no ads, and links expire automatically so you don’t clutter your storage.
Create your first link in seconds and see how much easier file sharing can be. Your recipients will thank you for the clean, simple experience—no more downloading apps or creating accounts just to get your files.