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It can be frustrating not to be able to email large files straightaway. Despite email being the most commonly used platform for sending files, it can’t often handle the size of modern media files such as videos and audio recordings. This is why most people have found alternatives to sending large files. Here are four of the best ways to send large files:
File Compression Software
This is one of the oldest methods of file sharing. File compression software reduces the size of a file to be sent over platforms like email. This form of file sharing has been around since the early nineties and is still used today. One of the best is arguably the multi-platform 7-Zip, which offers unprecedented file compression through its 7z feature. Both Winzip and WinRAR (which both started in the 90s) still provide excellent compression capabilities as well. All three are particularly handy when you need to send multiple files whose combined size exceeds 1GB. Once compressed, you can then send your files as a regular attachment.
The Cloud
If you need to send large files regularly, your best bet is the cloud, which we already discussed in our post on Apple’s iCloud. The cloud is a personal hard drive that stores file digitally. This allows you to store any file of any size without the need to store it on your PC or laptop physically. This is why the cloud is now trendy file storage and file sharing option, according to a Digital Trends article on ways to send large files. You have plenty of choices here, starting with Google Drive and Dropbox. The former offers 15GB of free storage.
You can save your files for personal use and sharing. It’s also a built-in feature of Gmail, meaning you’ll have access to this cloud when you have a Google account. Dropbox is similar to Drive, but it can accommodate only around 2GB of files. It does, however, have a mobile app for devices that are neither Android nor iOS. Another option to consider is MediaFire, known for its 50GB free storage and easy sharing options.
Use File Transfer Platforms
If you want to send large files and have people collaborate on them in real-time, you should use a professional file transfer platform. These platforms let you store or upload your file online, where the recipient can download it via a link that you send them. Doing so is straightforward, too. Box explains how sending large files through such platforms can be done with a simple drag and drop.
After which, you’ll get the shareable link. From there, you can customize permission levels (to grant access only to the intended receivers), add an expiration date (so that the file will no longer be available after a set date), and include password protection. Those who have access can preview, edit, comment, send, or download the files to their own devices, allowing multiple people to work on them simultaneously. File sharing platforms have become popular with companies due to their collaborative nature.
Use a VPN
The most secure way to send a large file is through a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data traveling to and from your computer as it reroutes it through various locations. This allows you to browse the web safely and to send and receive data securely. So, what does it have to do with transferring large files? Tech Radar notes that internet service providers often use broadband traffic management to control upload bandwidth, making it difficult for you to upload large files (they can, however, be downloaded).
Using a VPN, like ExpressVPN, prevents your provider from tracking the type and size of the files you’re uploading, which means it cannot subject the files to traffic management. This then means that you can move large amounts of data through peer-to-peer sharing. Despite the increase in large files being shared over the internet, it is still not as easy as possible. We hope this article has provided some good tips.
