Email attachments cap out fast. Use cloud links with expiration and optional passwords, or compress and split big files. Here’s the quick decision guide and step-by-step for each method.
Quick decision: which method should you use?
| Goal | Best method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Share 1–20 GB with a few people | Cloud link (Drive/OneDrive/iCloud/Dropbox) | Fast, resumable uploads; expiration + access control |
| Sensitive docs | Password-protected ZIP + link | Encrypt before upload; share password separately |
| One-off huge file to non-tech recipient | Transfer service (Dropbox Transfer, WeTransfer, Filemail) | Simple, no account for recipient |
| Teams, ongoing | Shared folder with permissions | Versioning, revoke access later |
Avoid sending giant attachments by email—many providers limit to ~20–25 MB and will silently fail.
Method A — Cloud link (most reliable)
Google Drive / OneDrive / iCloud / Dropbox
- Upload files or a .zip folder.
- Right-click → Share → choose Specific people when possible.
- Set Viewer only, disable editing/comments, and add an expiration if available.
- Optional: create a second link that allows download only for trusted contacts.
For very sensitive content, encrypt before uploading (see Method C).
iPhone/Android quick share
- Files/Drive app → long-press item → Share.
- Switch to “Restricted/Specific” access; add recipients by email.
- Tap options to set link expiration or view-only.
Method B — One-time transfer links
- Create a transfer, set expiry date, download limit, and optionally a password.
- Send the link; you’ll get delivery and download notifications.
- Good for clients who don’t use your cloud platform.
Method C — Encrypt first (password ZIP)
Windows/macOS (built-in or 7-Zip/Keka)
- Select files → Add to archive (7-Zip/Keka) → choose Zip or 7z.
- Set Password and Encryption: AES-256.
- Share the password via a different channel (SMS/phone).
Split very large archives
- In 7-Zip/Keka, set Split to volumes (e.g., 2 GB parts).
- Upload parts; recipient reassembles by extracting the first part.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Uploads stall: use the desktop sync app; it resumes better than browser uploads.
- Recipient can’t open: send as .zip; avoid proprietary archives if they don’t have 7-Zip/Keka.
- Corporate firewalls: share via a platform the recipient’s company approves (often OneDrive/SharePoint).
- Revoking access: remove specific users or disable the link after download.
