- Compressing the files on Mac or Windows before attaching them is the most straightforward option.
- You may upload the files to services like OneDrive or Google Drive and send the upload link via Gmail.
- Using third-party solutions like WeTransfer is also an effective way of transferring files.
Method 1: Compress and Send
ZIP archive files work like a standard folder on your computer. With zipped files, the contents are compressed to reduce file size. A recipient can extract the file and use it in the original format.
Compress on Mac
Step 1: Open Finder on Mac and select the files you want to compress.
Step 2: Right-click on them and select Compress from the context menu.
Step 4: macOS will create a ZIP file.
You can now compose an email in Gmail, click the attachment icon , and attach the ZIP file to send.
Compress on Windows
Step 1: Press Windows + E keys to open the File Explorer menu.
Step 2: Select the media files you want to compress.
Step 3: Right-click on them and select Compress to ZIP file from the context menu.
You can now compose an email in Gmail, click the attachment icon , and attach the ZIP file to send.
You may check out various ways to reduce a file size .
Method 2: Using Google Drive Link
All personal Google accounts get 15 GB of free storage. You can upload your large files to Google Drive and generate a sharing link to send over Gmail.
Step 1: Visit Google Drive on the web.
Step 2: Log in with your Google account details.
Step 3: Check the available Drive storage from the left sidebar.
Step 4: Select the New button in the top-left corner and click File upload .
Step 5: Select the files you want to send over Gmail.
Step 6: Once you upload files to Google Drive, select it and click the link icon at the top.
Step 7: The general access is restricted by default. Expand it and select Anyone with the link .
Step 8: Select from three permissions for the recipient – Viewer , Commenter , or Editor . Select the Copy link button.
Step 9: Open Gmail online and log in with your Google account details, then Compose a new email, add the recipient’s email address and subject, and paste the Google Drive link.
Step 10: Hit the Send button.
Method 3: Using OneDrive Link
While Google Drive is ideal for consumers, professionals may want extra security when sharing sensitive files. Microsoft’s OneDrive is a good choice for sharing large files in a professional environment. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open the OneDrive site in a web browser and sign in with Microsoft account details.
Step 2: Select Create or Upload at the top and select Files Upload or Folder Upload .
Step 3: Select the files you want to upload to OneDrive.
Step 4: Click the file or folder and hit the Share button at the top.
Step 5: Select the Anyone with the link can edit option.
Step 6: Set the expiration date and password if needed, and hit the Apply button.
Step 8: Compose an email using Gmail (refer to the steps above).
Step 9: Paste the link and hit the Send button.
Method 4: Send Large Files Using WeTransfer
The WeTransfer method allows you to set an expiration date on the file, just like OneDrive allows. You can add files of up to 2 GB free. The steps are below.
Step 1: Navigate to the WeTransfer site.
Step 2: Click Add files Or select a folder , then select your file.
Step 3: Scroll down, tick the get transfer link , and click the button for Get a link .
