It’s difficult to share large files through traditional communication methods. Email attachment limits mean you can’t often send PowerPoint decks, high-resolution photos, or any other large file.
Luckily, this is where file-sharing services come in. There are lots of file-sharing services to choose from, like software you download onto your computer or a cloud storage model. Below, we have five file-sharing services you may want to look into if you’re having trouble sharing large files quickly and easily with your coworkers, clients, family, or friends.
1. Upload & Share Your Large Files Using a Cloud-Storage Service
Using a cloud-storage service is the easiest way to send large files. A cloud-storage service saves your files on an internet-based “cloud” instead of on your hard drive. Because you’re using the internet, anyone can access the files you store on your cloud with the link you provide them.
Two popular cloud-storage services are Google Drive, which is part of the Google Network and OneDrive, which is part of Microsoft.
Both Google Drive and OneDrive integrate almost seamlessly with their respective company’s email. For example, Gmail has a Google Drive button. Press that button and choose document you want to send right from your email.
Once your recipient receives your email, they click on the link, which Google added to your email. This link brings them to the Google Drive where they can view the file, or they can download it onto their computer.
You can also upload files to your Google Drive or your OneDrive first, then manually put that link into your email or messaging app for your friend or coworker to then download the files.
Dropbox is another platform to upload large files. Dropbox’s free version storage is about 2 GB. But, you can upgrade your Dropbox plan for more storage if you need it.
2. Compress Large Files Using 7-Zip
Compressing or zipping a file is another way you can easily share large files. Compression software basically shrinks the size of your file without affecting your work, so the file is easier to send.
7_Zip is a free compression software that zips files to save space. This compression software is easy to use and allows you to send multiple files at once.
3. Use Jumpshare & Sendy Pro to Share a Link to Download Large Files
Jumpshare is a free file-sharing service which allows you to send files between 40 MB and 250 MB in size. You can upload files and folders to this online platform, as well as share a link to download those large files.
Jumpshare also has a desktop app that allows you to drag and drop files onto it, and it automatically copies the link to your clipboard, which you can then share via email or text.
If you need more storage space, you can consider Sendy PRO by the file-sharing app Send Anywhere. Sendy PRO provides you with 1 TB of cloud storage and unlimited MyLink cloud storage to transfer files. Plus, it lets you transfer large files via email or text using a six-digit key. You can use its Chrome Extension, Outlook add-ins, and Send Anywhere’s website to attach large files.
There is also a Send Anywhere free version, which you can use to send up to 10 GB at a time.
4. Share Brand Assets With Your Team Using Brandfolder
If you’re looking for a brand asset management system that lets you easily share large files, Brandfolder may be the platform for you. Brandfolder allows you to share large files with your team by uploading them to a shared cloud space.
Brandfolder is not only handy because it helps you share large files, but its organization can’t be beat. It operates like a Google image search so you can easily search for your files using the platform’s search bar. It also tracks the usage and performance of each image or video file using its Brand Intelligence feature, so you can see how often a file or image is used.
This system also offers user-level permission setting so you can control what your clients or outside partners have access to. This way you can securely and safely share large files among your team.
5. Share Large Files Securely With a Link or Email Using WeTransfer
WeTransfer is an online file-sharing service that allows you to upload large files and to send them as an email or link. It only asks you to enter:
- The destination email
- Your email
- A message to your recipient
Another plus is that you don’t have to sign up if you don’t want to. The free WeTransfer version enables you to send up to 2 GB while the WeTransfer Pro version allows you to send up to 200 GB and has 1 TB of storage per team member.
WeTransfer is different to other services here in that the download links expire over time, which helps you protect what access others have to your assets.
Sharing Large Files Is Secure & Easy
Sharing large files with coworkers, family members, or friends is safer and easier than many people think. Plus, many of the methods above are free or have free versions so you can share large files safely without spending any money.
Each recommendation above is different, so you should choose the one that’s best for you. For example, Google Drive is a great share folder for friends and family, while Brandfolder is better for companies with external business partners.
None of these options require tech skills or tech support, and some options, like Dropbox Business, provide unlimited storage. So no matter what your security or file size needs are, it’s easy to find the right way to share large files with your family or colleagues.
