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How to use Dropbox Transfer to easily send large files

4 min read

Nov 14, 2024

Person in a creative workspace, surrounded by projects and a laptop, illustrating the need to send large files efficiently.

What is Dropbox Transfer?

Dropbox Transfer is a specialised tool that simplifies the process of sending large files quickly and securely. Whether you're sharing a set of high-resolution images, a video project or large datasets, Transfer allows you to send files up to 250 GB in size (depending on your plan) to anyone. They don’t even need to have a Dropbox account to receive the files. This makes it an ideal solution for sharing large files with clients, colleagues or collaborators who might not be Dropbox users.

If you’re still collaborating on your files, create a shareable link instead. That way, recipients can still edit the original files. But if your work is finished, approved and ready to deliver, use Transfer to send a copy of your files—so your originals stay intact in your Dropbox account.

Dropbox Transfer supports file transfers of up to 250 GB, depending on your Dropbox plan. This makes it easy to send large videos, design files or full project folders in a single transfer—without compressing files or splitting them up.

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The benefits and features of Dropbox Transfer
 

Easy and secure file sharing

One of the key features of Dropbox Transfer is its ease of use. You can drag and drop files directly into the transfer window and once the file is uploaded, Dropbox generates a secure link that you can share with your recipient.

Depending on your plan, Transfer offers several features that help you to control who accesses your files. You can set passwords and expiry dates for the transfer link, ensuring that only authorised users can download the files in a certain timeframe. This is particularly useful for sensitive or time-bound projects, providing peace of mind that your files won't be available indefinitely.

Large file capacity

With support for transfers up to 250 GB, Transfer outperforms many traditional file-sharing methods like email, which typically limits attachments to 25 MB. 

This capability is especially useful for professionals in industries such as design, video production and software development, where project files are often large and complex. It also eliminates the need for compressing files or using multiple third-party services to split and share large datasets.

Collaborating on large raw footage files

Media producers can collaborate on large raw footage files in their cloud storage by using Dropbox to share high-resolution video securely, without file size limits getting in the way. 

Teams can use shared links to work on the same files during editing and review, then use Dropbox Transfer to deliver final cuts or full project folders—up to 250 GB—without affecting the original files.

Tracking and managing transfers

Another standout feature of Dropbox Transfer is its ability to track file deliveries. Once you’ve sent a file, you can monitor whether it’s been accessed and downloaded, providing greater visibility into the file-sharing process. For businesses and freelancers working on tight deadlines, this tracking feature can be essential. Knowing exactly when a client or team member has downloaded a file helps keep projects on track and facilitates timely feedback. 

With Dropbox Transfer, you can monitor when a file transfer is complete by seeing exactly when recipients download your files. You can also choose to receive download notifications, so you know the moment your transfer has been successfully delivered.

Secure client downloads for high-resolution files

Media teams can enable secure downloads of high-resolution files for clients by using Dropbox Transfer to send a copy of finished assets through a protected download link.

With features like password protection, expiry dates and optional download notifications, teams can control access to large, client-ready files—up to 250 GB—while ensuring files are delivered safely and professionally.

Professional presentation

In addition to functionality, Transfer allows you to present your files in a polished and professional manner. Depending on your plan, you can customise the transfer page with your company’s logo or branding. This makes the file delivery process a more seamless extension of your business and gives a client a great impression of your professionalism.

How to send large files with Dropbox Transfer

You can create and send transfers wherever you use Dropbox—be it dropbox.com, the desktop app or the mobile app for iOS and Android.

To create and send a file with Dropbox Transfer on dropbox.com:

  1. Click More in the left sidebar.
  2. Click Transfer from the menu that appears.
  3. Click Create transfer on the right.
  4. Add files to your transfer in one of the following ways:
    1. Drag and drop files from your computer.
    2. Click Upload files.
    3. Click the drop-down next to Upload files.
      1. To choose folders from your computer, select Upload folders.
      2. To choose files or folders from your Dropbox account, select Add from Dropbox.
  5. Click the edit icon (pencil) to rename your transfer if you’d like.
  6. Click the gear icon to set an expiry date or password.
  7. Click Create transfer.
  8. Click Send email or Copy link.

Your recipient(s) will receive a shareable link that they can click to download the file(s) or folder(s) you’ve sent them—and they don’t even need a Dropbox account to do so. After sending a file transfer, you can view and manage your sent transfers on dropbox.com.

Hassle-free delivery for large files with Dropbox Transfer

No more worrying about email file size limits. You can use Dropbox Transfer to deliver final files (up to 250 GB) to your clients and collaborators—even if they haven't got a Dropbox account. That makes it easier to send large files to anyone. 

You can also set a password to control access, set expiry dates, receive download notifications and see who’s viewed your file. Creating a customised download page with a logo and a background image lets you incorporate your brand into your transfer for a professional touch.

Dropbox does more than just send files. With tools for secure storage, real-time collaboration and polished delivery, Dropbox helps teams manage, share and move work forward—from first draft to final handoff.

So, what are you waiting for? You can create a transfer in just a few clicks—and it doesn’t even use up space in your Dropbox account.

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