Send attachments that exceed the limit in Gmail
Sometimes the size limit for attachments in gmail may present an obstacle to the submission of certain documents.* Gmail allows attachments up to 25 MB. However, there are alternative methods for sending files larger than this limit, while maintaining the ease and efficiency of the service.
Using Google Drive
When you attach a file that exceeds 25 MB in Gmail, the mail service automatically offers the option to use Google Drive. This method converts the attachment into a link which is inserted into the body of the email.
Google Drive allows you to upload files up to 5 TB, making it easy to send very large documents. To use this method:
- Open Gmail and compose a new email.
- Click on the icon Google Drive located at the bottom of the email.
- Select the desired file or upload it from your device.
- Insert the file into the email and send it.
Cloud storage services
In addition to Google Drive, there are other cloud storage services that can be used to share large files: Dropbox, OneDrive y Box, among others.
Dropbox: It offers direct integration with Gmail via an extension or plugin. You can generate a link to share files of any size, which can then be inserted into the email.
OneDrive: This Microsoft service also allows you to generate shareable links for files stored on its platform.
Box: Although less popular than the previous ones, Box offers similar functionality and can also be integrated with Gmail.
To send files through these services:
- Upload the file to the cloud storage service.
- Generate a shareable link.
- Insert the link into the body of the email in Gmail.
File compression
Another method to send large files in gmail is the compression of these. Programs like WinRAR y 7-Zip They allow you to reduce the size of a file or set of files, making it possible to send them within the 25 MB limit:
- Install compression software such as WinRAR o 7-Zip.
- Select the files you want to compress.
- Compress the files into a format such as .zip or .rar.
- Attach the compressed file to your email in Gmail.
Split large files
For very large files, an effective option may be to split them into smaller parts using tools such as HJSplit or the advanced functions of some compressors:
- Download and install HJSplit or other similar program.
- Use the program to split the large file into smaller parts.
- Attach each part in a separate email or in the same email if it does not exceed the limit individually.
File transfer services
Beyond cloud-based solutions and compression, file transfer services such as WeTransfer, SendSpace y high tail They offer the possibility of sending large files without registration:
WeTransferThis service allows users to send files up to 2 GB for free. Users can upload the file and generate a link that can be shared via Gmail.
SendSpace: It offers the possibility of sending files of up to 300 MB without the need for an account, and up to 4 GB for registered users.
high tailAlthough basic use is free, Hightail offers premium options that allow you to send even larger files and with additional security features.
To use these services:
- Access the selected service (for example, WeTransfer).
- Upload the desired file.
- Generate a download link.
- Insert the link into the body of the email in Gmail.
FTP and alternative mail servers
For users with more specific needs, use a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or alternative mail servers can be an effective solution:
- Set up an FTP server and upload large files there.
- Share FTP links via Gmail.
- Ensure the integrity of the transferred file by using verification software such as MD5 o SHA-256.
Alternative mail servers such as Protonmail y Zoho Mail They may offer larger storage capacities and file transfer options. However, integration and ease of use may not be as straightforward as with Google services.
Importance of Security and Privacy
Sending large files over the Internet requires a careful approach to data transfer. to maximise security and your enjoyment. y privacy. When using cloud services, it is important to encrypt sensitive files using tools such as AxCrypt or the encryption functions built into compression applications such as WinRAR:
- Encrypt sensitive files before uploading them to cloud storage services.
- Use strong passwords and share them securely with recipients.
Optimizing loading and unloading time
To ensure efficient file transfer, it is advisable to take into account your Internet connection speed and plan the loads y downloads during times of lower bandwidth demand:
- Use tools like Speedtest to check the connection speed.
- Schedule uploads and downloads during low-demand times.
Integration with Mobile devices
Mobile device users can also benefit from these solutions. Applications such as Google Drive y Dropbox They have mobile versions that allow you to upload and share large files directly from phones and tablets:
- Install the corresponding applications on the mobile device.
- Upload the file to the cloud and generate a shareable link.
- Insert the link into your email using the Gmail mobile app.
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