How to send large files: the complete guide

You have a video to send to a client, photos from an event or a project weighing hundreds of megabytes, and your email won’t take it. That’s because almost every email service limits attachments, usually to somewhere between 20 and 25 MB (Gmail allows 25 MB, Outlook 20 MB). Beyond that, you need a different tool.

Why email isn’t enough

Attachments bloat mailboxes and pass through several servers before they arrive, which is why providers cap them. Even when a file fits, the recipient may find their inbox full or the message caught by spam filters. For large files, the answer is to send a link instead of an attachment.

Three ways to send large files

• Compress the files. A .zip archive helps with documents and text-heavy folders, but with videos and photos the gain is minimal: those formats are already compressed.
• A cloud storage service. It works, but the sender usually needs an account and free space, and the recipient ends up with a shared folder to manage and clean up later.
• A file transfer service. You upload the files, get a link that expires and send it to whoever you want. Recipients don’t need to sign up, and the files disappear on their own when the link expires. It’s the fastest route for a one-off transfer.

How to send large files with DIGO Express

DIGO Express is the file transfer service from the DIGO family. On the free plan you can send up to 5 GB without signing up; with Pro, up to 2 TB per transfer, and Enterprise has no size limit at all. Here are the steps:

1. Add your filesOpen digo.express and drag files or entire folders into the box, or pick them from your computer. The bar shows how much space is left.
2. Choose how to send themBy email, to up to 3 recipients on the free plan, or as a link only, to paste wherever you like: a chat, your business software, a message.
3. Confirm your emailThe first time, you get a 6-digit code: it prevents abuse, with no account needed.
4. TransferThe upload is split into chunks and resumes on its own if your connection drops. When it’s done you get the link, valid for 7 days on the free plan.

Tips for a smooth transfer

• Give your files clear names and group them into folders: the recipient instantly knows what to download.
• Pick the right expiry. If the recipient might only open the link in a few weeks, Pro lets you keep it active for up to 90 days and extend it.
• Protect confidential files with a password and a download limit (Pro), and send the password through a different channel from the link.
• Don’t worry about your connection. The upload resumes on its own if the line drops: no need to start over.
• Keep track of downloads. With Pro you get an email when someone downloads, and a reminder goes out automatically to anyone who hasn’t yet.

Frequently asked questions