How to send large files, by size

Under 25 MB: email usually works

Gmail accepts attachments up to 25 MB and Microsoft gives 20 MB for Outlook with accounts such as Outlook.com, but the receiving server may have a lower limit and encoding adds overhead, so a 24 MB file can still bounce. Our article on email attachment size limits has the details for each provider.

25 MB to 100 MB: use a quick transfer

This is where email fails and heavier tools feel like overkill. Upload the file in the ShareQuik panel above, select Generate Code, and send the 8-character code by message or phone. The recipient types the code into ShareQuik and downloads the original file. See send large files for the details and limits.

100 MB to a few gigabytes

• Shrink it: videos re-exported at 1080p, or folders zipped up, often drop well under 100 MB. See compressing files for sharing.
• Split it: batches of photos or documents can go across several ShareQuik shares.
• Use a large-file service: many free tiers allow a few gigabytes per transfer. The WeTransfer alternative page compares them with sources.
• Use a cloud drive link if you already have one with enough space.

Tens of gigabytes and beyond

At this size, upload time becomes the bottleneck. A paid large-file service, a shared cloud folder that syncs in the background, or copying to an external drive and handing it over in person are the practical options. For huge files on a tight deadline, a physical drive is often still the fastest.