Sending large files is a very common operation nowadays. Often, e-mail providers are unable to send files larger than ten megabytes as attachments. To solve the problem, you can adopt several solutions; either you rely on the services offered by the cloud, or you can use one of those many completely free online services that allow you to send large files without the need to store any files online.
How to send heavy files via cloud storage services
As we said, to transfer thoughtful files, you can rely on the so-called cloud services. These are nothing more than personal storage spaces, which are accessible at any time and in any place using a simple internet connection. These services are provided free of charge by some sites, let’s see some examples.
Send files with Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the most widely used cloud storage services in the world. Its main function is to store data on an online space and make it available on all the devices owned by the user. This service also includes a sharing function that lets you exchange large files with other people in a very simple way. The basic version offers 2 GB of storage, but you can increase the size of your online space for free by inviting other users to subscribe to the service. Installing it is very simple; once you download it to your computer, you must open the Dropbox folder, from which you can share files through the share button. After that you just have to indicate the email address of the person or persons with whom you want to share the file.
Send files with Google Drive
To access Google Drive services, you just need to have a Gmail email address. Thanks to this storage space, you can send heavy files via Google Drive, Google’s cloud storage service that is automatically activated after you create your account. With the latter you can share up to 15 GB of data for free, downloading files by logging in with your Google account. To use Google Drive you have to connect to your email inbox and click on the Google Drive logo at the bottom right. In the pane that appears, select the upload tab, click on the select files from your computer button and choose the file to share. This service is available not only from your computer but also from your smartphone or tablet via the dedicated app.
Send files with Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive, even if you have an Outlook.com, Hotmail or Live mail address you can use its cloud storage service that allows you to share large files and folders online. This service goes by the name of Microsoft OneDrive. The latter offers a storage space of 5GB completely free of charge and giving you the possibility to increase the available space by purchasing a subscription with prices starting from 2€ per month. To use it directly from your inbox, start composing a new message and at the top left select the paperclip icon. In the box that appears, click on the “search this computer” tab, select the large file on your computer that you want to share and choose the Upload and share as a link to OneDrive option. The recipient will be able to download the data from OneDrive freely, without having to register or authenticate in any way. The OneDrive service also works from mobile, using the appropriate client.
Send files with Jumbomail
Jumbomail, another system to consider is the JumboMail service offered by the provider Libero Mail. This system allows all registered users of the Web Mail service to send large files up to 2GB. It can be used directly from the mailbox by selecting the appropriate tab. Also, there is a possibility to increase the file limit by inviting friends to share the Jumbomail page on Facebook. Paid versions allow you to send files up to 20 GB. The duration of file retention in the free plans is 7 days.
Send files with pCloud
pCloud is a cloud storage service that provides a completely free 10 Gb plan. It also provides two attractive subscription plans that you pay once and are valid forever. So, with a single payment of € 125 you get 500 Gb of space while, the € 250 option provides an increase in storage space up to 2 Tb. One of the features that make this service unique is the one that allows remote file uploading. This allows you to upload files to pCloud through a link, without necessarily having to first download them to your computer and then upload them to pCloud. This feature gives you the ability to transfer files from other cloud servers to pCloud very easily.
How to send large files with online platforms
If, on the other hand, you do not want to use the services offered by the cloud, you can rely on the numerous completely free online services that allow you to send large files without storing them online. Let’s take a look at some of the free services we can use to share large files.
Send Files with WeTransfer
In its free version, WeTransfer allows you to send files up to 2GB in size. To send large files, all you have to do is click on add file, enter the email address of the recipient and finally add our own email address. Once you have selected the files you want to send, just click on the transfer button and wait until the files are fully uploaded to the site. After completing the upload of the files, we will receive an email reminding us of the upload and another one as soon as the recipient downloads the files. WeTrasfer also provides the possibility of sharing files through a simple text link. Remember that the files will be stored on the platform for up to 7 days.
Send files with FilestoFriends
FilestoFriends is a site that allows you to send files with a maximum size of 1 GB, and send them simultaneously to up to 5 recipients. Once the files are uploaded you write our email and that of the recipient in the friend’s email field. After uploading the files to be sent, you are taken to a page containing a public link that you can share to access those files. This link from which you can download the files is only active for 2 days and if they are not downloaded within this period, they are automatically deleted.
Send files with MailbigFile
MailbigFile: supports sending files with a maximum size of 2 GB. To upload the files to be sent, you can use the add files button by selecting the desired files up to a maximum of 5 at a time, alternatively you can just drag them directly into the browser window to upload them. After that, you must enter the recipient’s email address in the recipient’s email field, then ours in the your email field. After clicking on send file, the files will first be uploaded and then immediately sent by email to the recipient. The only flaw of MailBigFile is that, unfortunately, the platform does not allow you to send files to multiple recipients at once.
Send Files with Mega
Mega: this platform tolerates data storage of up to 50 GB of data for free and protects it with an encryption system that makes the files hosted on its servers inaccessible to unauthorized users. Uploading the file to the online space by dragging them to the screen will take place and you will get the link to the file. You can choose whether to share a link including a key to decrypt the data or provide the unlocking key separately. For more info, see my guide to Mega.
Sending Files with FileMail
FileMail: if you need to send files that exceed 2 GB in size, we recommend using the Filemail service. In its free version, Filemail allows you to send files up to 50 GB in size. This service has a similar operation to the others. Per aggiungere i file da inviare si utilizza il pulsante aggiungi file e successivamente il pulsante invia. Dopo aver fatto questa operazione, si aprirà una finestra dalla quale sarà possibile copiare un collegamento da condividere. Una volta condiviso questo collegamento, sarà possibile accedere alla pagina di download dei link ottenuti ai destinatari.
Inviare file pesanti con connessione diretta
La tecnologia di rete logica Peer to Peer, abbreviata anche come P2P, permette di creare una rete dove non esistono server e client esclusivi, poiché ogni dispositivo collegato è sia client che server. Lo sviluppo di questa rete logica è dovuto alla possibilità di condividere con gli altri i dati presenti sul proprio PC. Per sfruttare tale sistema bisogna scegliere un programma predisposto. Di seguito proponiamo degli esempi:
- HFS (Http File Server): con HFS si possono condividere file di qualsiasi dimensione direttamente dal pc. Disponibile per Windows e Linux, il destinatario scarica il file selezionato dal pc del mittente semplicemente collegandosi ad un link diretto generato dal programma. Per caricare il file bisogna trascinarlo in HFS cartelle e file da condividere. Una volta completata l’operazione il link è subito pronto per essere condiviso.
- DC++: rispetto a HFS propone funzionalità più complesse. Infatti DC++ è un client che tramite il protocollo Advanced Direct Connect consente la condivisione diretta da pc a pc. Data la complessità di utilizzo, se ne raccomanda l’uso a esperti di informatica.