How to Send Large Files via Email
Send huge files via email the smart way. No bounces, no limits, no BS. Here’s how to do it right in 2025.
How to Send Large Files via Email
If you’re trying to send a massive file via email, don’t even think about hitting that attach button yet. Why? Simply because email providers hate big files, and will just block them, bounce them, or dump them in spam.
But don’t worry, here is what you can do about it!
Why You Can’t Just Attach a Big File to Your Email
Attaching a huge file straight into your email? Rookie mistake.
Here’s why it rarely works in 2025:
- Provider limits: Most inboxes choke on anything over 20–25MB.
- Spam triggers: Big attachments = spam flags.
- Storage bloat: Your recipient’s inbox might reject it entirely.
- Delivery delays: Heavy files slow down sending, syncing, and opening.
Email wasn't built for large files. Period. Use smarter ways, or take the risk to quickly face bounces, fails, or worse: being ignored.
o warning: attachments are deliverability killers in cold emailing! Sending files directly as attachments (especially large ones) is a red flag for spam filters. We don’t recommend it at all if you're doing outreach.
Email Attachment Limits by Provider (2025)
Each email provider has its own hard limits, and they haven’t changed much in years. Go even 1MB over, and your email might bounce, get blocked, or just silently fail. Here's what you're working with in 2025. Know the ceiling before you hit "send":
And guess what? Anything too close to the limit risks bouncing.
The Best Ways to Send Large Files by Email
So, how do you actually send big files without blowing up your email?
Easy. You ditch attachments and go smarter. Whether you're sending a 500MB video, a zipped project folder, or a massive PDF deck, these are the fastest, cleanest, and most reliable ways to get your files delivered, no bounces, no BS.
Use Cloud Links (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox…)
If you hesitate to use cloud links, just know that this is hands-down the cleanest and most reliable way to send large files in 2025. Why? Because insted of attaching the file, you will be able to upload it to the cloud, grab the link, and just drop it into your email. Done, just like that.
Why it works:
- No size cap: Cloud services can handle gigabytes like a breeze.
- No bounce risk: The actual email stays light and spam-filter-friendly.
- More control: You can change access, revoke links, or add passwords anytime.
- Instant delivery: No delays, no failed uploads.
And here are the top picks:
- Google Drive: Seamless with Gmail, 15 GB free, real-time collaboration.
- OneDrive: Great for Outlook users, 5 GB free, Microsoft-native.
- Dropbox: Professional, solid sharing features, 2 GB free plan.
Our pro tip: Always check link permissions. “Anyone with the link can view” avoids endless back-and-forths with frustrated recipients.
Compress Your Files (ZIP, RAR, 7z)
If you’ve got multiple files or a heavy folder, just zip it. Compressing turns your chaos into one sleek package, even smaller, lighter, and easier to send.
Here’s why it’s extremely useful:
- Reduces file size: Depending on the content, you can save up to 70%.
- Keeps everything bundled: Perfect for grouped content—docs, images, assets, etc.
- Adds protection: You can easily password-protect ZIPs for security.
- Looks pro: Clean file, one click to unpack—no clutter.
If you still don’t know which tools to use, here are some great and reliable examples:
- WinRAR / 7-Zip (Windows)
- Keka / The Unarchiver (Mac)
- Built-in right-click options on both platforms
Our reminder: Even compressed, huge files can still hit email limits, so this is why you really need to pair this method with cloud uploads or file transfer services!
Use File Transfer Services (WeTransfer, Filemail, Smash)
File transfer services are totally your best friends if you need a plug-and-play solution for sending massive files without thinking too hard.
Here’s how they work: Upload → Get a link → Paste it in your email → Done. No account needed. No file size micromanagement, that’s it.
The top platforms include:
- WeTransfer: Up to 2 GB free, beautiful UX, auto-expiry for security.
- Filemail: 5 GB free, ultra-fast transfers, even lets you track downloads.
- Smash: No size limit (seriously), custom branding, and no sign-up required.
And good news, here is why people love them:
- Speed: Optimized servers = fast uploads and downloads.
- Convenience: No cloud setup, no login, no fuss.
- Control: Set expiry dates, get download alerts, add passwords.
Keep in mind that these tools are perfect for when you need to send something big now and want it to just work without messing with cloud permissions or inbox limits.
Split the File (Advanced Users)
Alright, this one’s not for everyone, but if you’re sending a monster file (like 10+ GB), splitting it into smaller chunks is a pro move.
It means that you can use file-splitting software to cut your large file into digestible parts (e.g., 10 x 500MB chunks), then send each part separately or via different services. Finally, the recipient reassembles them using the same tool.
Here are some tools to try asap:
- 7-Zip: Free, powerful, and easy to split/merge files.
- HJSplit: Lightweight, works on Windows, Mac, Linux.
- Mac Terminal (split command) for tech-savvy users.
This method is absolutely terrific, as it:
- Bypasses size restrictions entirely,
- Gives you modular control over delivery,
- And can even be great for high-security workflows (send parts via different channels).
But be cautious: your recipient really needs to know how to reassemble the parts. So only use this if you’re both tech-comfortable—or ready to provide a quick how-to in the email.
Best Method by File Type
Not all files are created equal. Here’s the best way to send large files depending on what you're dealing with:
- Videos (.mp4, .mov, .avi) → Cloud storage or File Transfer tool
- High-res images (.png, .tiff, .psd) → Compress into ZIP, or use WeTransfer
- Massive PDFs → Compress with SmallPDF + Cloud link
- Folders with mixed content → ZIP it + upload to Drive/Dropbox
- Audio files → File Transfer link for .wav, Drive for .mp3
- Dev files (.zip, .iso, .exe) → Use cloud links + password-protect if needed
So please just keep it lean. Keep it clean, your main goal being to send links and not baggage.
Think your email will reach the inbox? Think again. Spam filters are brutal, and they really hate big files, suspicious links, and bad setups. Run your email through Mailreach’s Spam Test before you hit send. One click tells you if you’re safe, or in a really bad position.
Check your Spam Score right now!
Step-by-Step: Send Large File in Gmail / Outlook / iCloud
Alright, now let’s get practical. Gmail, Outlook, or even iCloud Mail, it doesn’t matter: each platform has its own quirks when it comes to sending large files.
Here’s your no-fail playbook, platform by platform!
Gmail: Use Google Drive
- Click “Compose” and write your message.
- Hit the Google Drive icon at the bottom.
- Upload or choose your large file.
- Click “Insert as Drive link.”
Also make sure sharing settings allow your recipient to view/download.
Our pro tip: Do not hesitate to use the “Anyone with link can view” option to avoid access errors!
Outlook: Use OneDrive
- Start a new email in Outlook.
- Click “Attach” > “Browse cloud locations.”
- Choose your file from OneDrive (or upload it there).
- Insert it as a cloud link, not a traditional attachment.
- Customize permissions if needed—make sure the recipient can access it.
iCloud Mail: Use Mail Drop
- Open Mail on macOS or iCloud.com.
- Attach your large file (up to 5 GB).
- Apple automatically uses Mail Drop and hosts the file on iCloud.
- Your recipient gets a download link valid for 30 days.
But keep in mind that it only works if both sender and recipient are on Apple-compatible platforms!
Big attachments + a cold inbox = straight to spam. Don’t sabotage your own deliverability. But good news, with Mailreach’s Email Warmup, you build trust with inbox providers, even before you send anything serious.
Start warming up now and land in the inbox like a pro
Table of Contents:
