Every now and then you may have to send a large file to someone. It might be a client, a customer or even a vendor. So what’s the best way to send large files?
OPTION 01: EMAIL
Email is a great option … if the picture isn’t too big. You can probably get away with attaching a few pictures. But start attaching too many and your email may be rejected. It may never end up in the recipient’s inbox. I use Apple Mail and I like that when I attach a picture, I have the option to reduce the size (small, medium, actual size, etc.) to help keep the size down. You never know when the recipient has a really slow internet connection as well. Email is an option … but best for smaller files and only one or two at a time.
OPTION 02: FLASH DRIVE
Flash drives (also known as USB drives, thumb drives, etc.) are a simple way to share large files. They have a huge capacity and can store a LOT of information on one drive. You simply plug them into your computer, load up the pictures or files, eject it properly and then deliver it to the recipient. The only problem is that you have to physically deliver it … or mail it. Not as convenient as other options.
OPTION 03: SHARED FOLDERS
Another option is to use shared folders with software such as Dropbox or Google Drive. With Dropbox for example, I would create a folder and place all my pictures and files that I want to share. I then right-click and copy the Dropbox link. All that’s left is to share that link with the recipient via text or email. Once they click on it, it’ll open the folder in a browser where they can then download the files to their computer. Not too complicated and fairly simple.
OPTION 04: WE TRANSFER
This is perhaps the easiest way to send large files … and it’s free. All you have to do is navigate to www.wetransfer.com. From the left side of the screen, you enter two email addresses: the recipient’s and yours. Then you can either select individual files or an entire folder … and then click send. That’s it! The recipient will receive an email letting them know they have a download available. You’re limited to 2Gb – usually not a problem and you do have to watch for the emails in your junk or spam folder but all in all, I’ve had great success is sending large files using We Transfer.
Today’s technology makes it easy and convenient to share large files with others. It’s much easier and more convenient than using a courier service … and it’s free as well.
Do you have a preferred way of sending large files or have you used another option I didn’t mention? Let me know so we can share them with others.
