If you’ve ever tried sending a big file through Gmail—say, a high-resolution video, a layered Photoshop file, or a large presentation—you’ve likely had the experience of hitting the dreaded 25 MB limit. And when you're juggling client deadlines or trying to deliver urgent final assets, that cap isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a workflow dead end.
So what do you do? You start compressing files (and sacrificing quality), splitting assets across multiple emails, or wrestling with broken links and email bounce-backs. None of that screams “professional,” and it doesn’t save time.
Luckily, there’s a smoother way to circumvent those pesky Gmail file size limits. Dropbox gives you two options:
- Share directly from your cloud storage if you're collaborating on the same file
- Use Dropbox Transfer to send a clean, no-compression copy of the file
In this guide, we’ll also explain how to use the automated Google Drive prompt in Gmail to send big files, if you’re not concerned about compression
Either way, you skip the size limits, leapfrog the stress, and stay in total control. Want to send large files in Gmail the right way? Read on to see how easy it really is.
Why won’t my file attach in Gmail?
We’ve all been there—you're trying to attach a file in Gmail, and nothing happens. Or worse, you hit send and get that dreaded bounce-back message. So what’s going on when your large file won’t attach or send in Gmail?
Here are a few of the usual suspects:
- It’s too large: Gmail’s attachment limit is just 25 MB. That’s great for 2005, but it’s not much if you’re working with videos, images, design files, and other typically large assets. Once the limit’s reached—you’re stuck.
- Your internet connection is weak: A spotty connection can prevent uploads from completing, especially with heavier file sizes. If you’re on poor WiFi or just a little too far from a router, it’s easy for uploads to fail.
- The file type is restricted: Gmail blocks certain file types (like .exe, .bat, or .zip files) for security reasons—even if they’re totally harmless. This is irritating if you’re working with these files and means you’ll hit a brick wall.
- Your mailbox is full: Sometimes, if your Google account is nearing its storage cap, attachments might not make it through. This is a particular problem for freelancers and solopreneurs who rely on basic versions of Gmail.
- You're using an outdated version of Gmail: Browser extensions or old versions of Gmail can cause functionality hiccups. People often have this issue on mobile devices and tablets they only use for email occasionally.
If you've ever had trouble attaching a file to an email, you're not alone. There are easier ways to send large files without the problems. Let's look at some simple options.
3 ways to send large files through Gmail
If you're regularly working with large files, Gmail’s standard attachments can feel like a bottleneck that disrupts your workflow. However, there are some smart ways to get your files sent. Let’s run through 3 simple options:
1. Use Gmail with Google Drive
When your file’s over 25 MB, Gmail nudges you to use a Google Drive link. It’s a solid fallback—but it’s not perfect. Here’s why you should reconsider this option before sending your file:
- Drive sometimes compresses files or converts them, which potentially brings in some weird formatting issues
- Clients can also unintentionally edit or rename files, which makes version control tricky
It’s a bit of a minefield, but Dropbox keeps it simple. By allowing files to stay exactly how you uploaded them—no compression, no conversions, no drama.
2. Use Dropbox to share a trackable link
If you want more control and reliability, without disrupting your workflow, the simplest solution is to share your file via a Dropbox link. Here’s how to do it right from your cloud storage:
- Upload a file, then right-click in your cloud storage and select ‘Copy link’
- Paste that link into your Gmail message—no need to compress, zip, or split
With this method, clients get direct, professional access to the file, exactly as you intended. And because you’re sharing the live file, you can decide who can edit, view, or download it.
Other benefits include features like password protection, file expiration dates, and view tracking to give you full control and transparency—this is great for managing and monitoring the progress of a project.
Shared links are perfect when you're working collaboratively. But if you want to lock down a final version for delivery, it’s probably better to try Transfer instead.
3. Send with Dropbox Transfer for large files
When you’ve got a final product ready to send, use Transfer to deliver large, non-editable files with complete ease and convenience—not to mention top-notch security. Here’s how to do it in a few clicks:
- Simply head over to dropbox.com/transfer
- Upload your file and send it to the recipient
This method is ideal for sending videos, images, or design files—up to 100 GB. There’s no file size stress, no edits from the recipient, just a clean, reliable delivery experience. It also gives you fast uploads and downloads.
Transfer also makes it easy to add custom branding, set a password, and track when a client opens or downloads the file. Need even more space? No problem, with the Dropbox Replay Add-On, you can send files up to 250 GB.
This is the go-to method for photographers, editors, designers—anyone sending polished work to clients. Whether you’re working to a deadline or just don’t want to disrupt your workflow, Transfer makes sending large files simple.
Tips for better results when sending large files through Gmail
Even with the best tools, a few smart habits go a long way. Whether you're sending a large file to a client or collaborating on it, here are a few tips to make file sharing smoother and more professional:
- Add version numbers or dates to filenames—this helps you or your clients avoid confusion by labeling files clearly
- Share folders, not just files—Dropbox lets you group related files (like supporting documents) in a folder to keep everything tidy and make it easier to view the full picture
- Enable notifications or view tracking—tools like Dropbox let you track views and downloads, so you’re never in the dark or second-guessing if your work got lost in someone’s inbox.
These little tricks save time, reduce back-and-forth, and make you look ultra-organized—because you aren’t scrabbling for files and getting frustrated by Gmail’s limitations.
Frequently asked questions
Gmail lets you attach files up to 25 MB. If your file is bigger, Gmail will ask you to use Google Drive. This is helpful, but it can compress your files and provides less control over how your files are accessed.
You can't attach a folder directly to Gmail. However, you can use the cloud storage in your Dropbox account to share a link to the folder. To do this, upload your folder, right-click and select ‘Copy link’ to generate a shareable link, and then simply add it to your email. Uploading folders is often faster and easier when you want to share collections of files.
Not directly—but when Gmail reroutes large files through Google Drive, it may shrink images or videos to make files smaller. This can change their quality. Tools like Dropbox let you share files without losing quality.
You can use Dropbox to share large files—without Gmail, Outlook, or any other email client’s size limits. If you need to send a big file through Gmail, you simply upload the file to Dropbox, get a link, and send the link in a Gmail message. This way, you avoid the size limitations and get access to extra features like passwords, expiration dates, file tracking, and more.
