How To Send Large Files By Email Without File Size Restrictions

One task we are often faced with is sending large files to other people. The typical mode of operation for sending files to one another have always been email, which has always worked fine for smaller files because most email clients impose a file-size restriction. If you need to email large attachments, you must find another way to send it.

There are quite a few options to choose from. Some of them are complicated while others are unreliable. If you use Dropbox or any of these alternatives, you should be familiar with sending files over the internet.

However, there is a new kid on the large-file-sending block that may fit the bill for you. Check out Kicksend.. Kicksend is not a file storage tool but it does store files for a period of time for the purpose of sending files. Getting started with Kicksend is quite simple.

How to email large files with Kicksend

To send large files via email, you’ll need to sign up for a free Kicksend account and it is really easy. All they really want to know about you is your full name and your email address; set a secure password and you’re all ready to go. Alternatively, you can also choose to sign in using Facebook.

The service is very simple to navigate, with an easy to understand menu system consisting of anything you’ll want to do with Kicksend.

In the “Get Started” section, you are given several actions you can complete to increase your monthly sending limit.

How to email large files

To begin emailing large files directly to your friends, jump into the “Send Files” section. Just click the “Select Files” button to choose the files you want to send. Note that the file size limit for the web interface is set at 150 MB because of browser restrictions but if you install and use the desktop app (Windows and Mac), there is no file size limit imposed.

Next, enter the email address(s) you want to send the file(s) to. You can even include a message to be sent to the recipient(s). Finally, click the “Send Files” button.

It’s not necessary for the recipients to have a Kicksend account and they can download the large file as soon as they receive your email. However, they will be sent an invite in a separate email. If the recipient chooses to sign up for an account, the process of sending and receiving files in the future will be much easier. Also, the download link has the option of being made private (otherwise, the link will be unique but anyone who knows the URL can use it to download the file).

If other Kicksend users send you files, they will appear in your inbox.

Kicksend will keep your files for you for up to two weeks and before they’re marked for deletion. Since Kicksend is basically for the purposes of sending large files (and not for file storage), two weeks ought to be ample time to retrieve them.

Kicksend also keeps a record of your account activity for your convenience. Simply head to the “Activity” page to see the list of actions.

How to email large attachments right from your desktop

Besides being a really easy-to-use web tool, Kicksend also has Mac and Windows applications. Without the browser restrictions, desktop app users can email large attachments that are more than 150 MB in size. They’ll also enjoy features such as automatic downloading and desktop alerts.

It is true that there are several restrictions such as a monthly limit (over a gigabyte, with opportunities to earn more) and a file size limit for the web interface, however the ease of use and the functionality Kicksend offers should outweigh them. Try it for yourself to see if it works good for your needs.

Meanwhile, what methods do you use to send large files over the internet?