Almost everyone has experienced the dreaded “Email Attachment Too Large” message (or some variation of it) that makes you rethink the email you are about to send. Email does have file size limitations (estimated around 10mb-25mb), and even with the recent advances of popular clients and various plugins, there are still file size ceilings you can hit.
Nowadays, companies big and small are going global–and that means that a whole slew of files need to be shared with partners overseas. For example, China is a massive market but US businesses still struggle to get their virtual communications across the sea.
The ever-growing problem remains: how do you send large files through email?
Fortunately, SmartFile has some effective tips for sending large files through email without the headache. Learn more about these simple ways to make your workday easier.
Tip 1: Re-Save It
Sometimes, the solution to your problem is as simple as clicking “Save As.” Resaving PDFs, images, and videos can convert them to different formats with more compression. In general, it is best to save images as JPG, PNG, or TIF, as other formats have little-to-no compression. When it comes to video, we recommend using the max-compression format H264. Always try resaving first–not only does it save the file, but it can save you lots of time.
Tip 2: Research It
If you are trying to transfer files overseas, it is a good idea to know what you’re up against. Many companies run into problems when they try to send large files to China. In fact, some popular file sharing services are blocked by the Chinese government. Once you understand these restrictions, finding a solution is much easier. You may need to seek out creative ways of sending files.
Tip 3: Revise It
Perhaps your file could use one final edit to get it down to size. This could be a great opportunity to review your work and optimize the content. You never know–just a few pages shorter could be enough to drop the size down. When working with images and video, you may want to scale down the resolution to something a little smaller. These seemingly-insignificant changes can make a huge difference in file size.
Tip 4: Compress It
Zip it, archive it, compress it. When you want a quick fix that drastically reduces file size, compressing it is always the way to go. Turn 30 files into one, or turn a 10mb file into a 6mb file. Depending on the source, compressing a file can make sending it via email significantly easier.
Tip 5: Rethink It
If you are regularly having trouble sending large files, rethink how you share your files in the first place. Are you using professional-grade filesharing software? Are file backups a priority in your workplace? Both of these are essential best practices for transferring files over the internet. After all, when you opt for professional software, you get all the benefits of encryption, speed, and customizability. Branded client portals are another great way to improve filesharing techniques and grow brand awareness at the same time.
Tip 6: SmartFile It
If all else fails, send the file (or folders) through SmartFile. There is NO file size limit, so this is a fail-safe option every time. Send a 50gb file, or 20 folders with 2gb files in each! You never need to compromise file type, file revision, or file compressing. The recipient will have a unique URL, and they can easily download multiple files. Unlimited file size is always a great option for whatever project you are working on. Try SmartFile free for 14 days!
These tips are straightforward, hassle-free ways to send large files without getting rejected for attachment size. Each time you are notified about file size, the problem may be different. So, it is in your best interest to know multiple ways to solve the issue. Whether the solution is a simple re-save, or it is time to rethink your software, SmartFile is here to help. We work with creative, corporate, and government clients, making their file transfers a breeze. Reach out today to learn more.