To send large files in Google Drive, upload the file, set link access, and share the link or insert it via Gmail when attachments exceed 25 MB.
Moving a long video, a CAD package, or a dataset? This guide shows a fast path from upload to delivery, with clear settings for privacy, size caps, and speed tips. If you came here searching how to send large files in google drive, you’re in the right place.
How to Send Large Files in Google Drive: Quick Start
- Upload the file or folder to Drive. Use the web app or Drive for desktop.
- Right-click the item and pick Share or Copy link.
- Pick the audience: Restricted, Anyone with the link, or a list of email addresses.
- Set the role: Viewer, Commenter, or Editor.
- Copy the link and send it in chat, a doc, or an email. In Gmail, Drive links attach cleanly when files exceed 25 MB.
Ways To Send Large Files With Google Drive (Pick What Fits)
Use the table to match your case with a method. Each route keeps the steps lean.
| Method | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Share Link | Quick hand-off to many | Set link access, copy link, paste anywhere |
| Share To Emails | Known people only | Add addresses, pick roles, send invite |
| Insert In Gmail | Email over 25 MB | Compose in Gmail, choose Drive, insert link |
| Shared Drive | Team files that stay put | Move or upload into a shared drive your group uses |
| Transfer Ownership | Hand off long-term control | Share, then change owner on supported items |
| Zip Before Upload | One bundle, fewer clicks | Compress folder or files, then upload the archive |
| Drive For Desktop | Large or many files | Sync from Finder/Explorer; resumes better on long jobs |
Link Sharing Settings That Matter
Link sharing controls who can open the file and what they can do. Pick the lightest access that still works.
Audience
- Restricted: Only people you add by email can open.
- Anyone With The Link: Anyone who gets the URL can open.
- Your Organization (Workspace): People in your domain can open.
Roles
- Viewer: Read-only.
- Commenter: Add review notes.
- Editor: Full edit.
To change these, right-click the file, select Share, and adjust the link line or the list of people. You can set expiration on access in many Workspace tiers.
File Size And Upload Limits You Should Know
Drive accepts nearly any type and can hold massive items. The max single file size is 5 TB, with a daily upload cap of 750 GB per user across My Drive and shared drives. Gmail switches to a Drive link when attachments exceed 25 MB. These numbers guide which route you pick and when to zip, split, or sync. See Google’s page on Drive usage limits.
When To Zip, Split, Or Stream
- Zip when you have many files or a folder that should travel as one.
- Split Archives for giant media sets; tools like 7-Zip can create parts.
- Stream From Drive For Desktop for huge items so long uploads can resume.
Sending A Google Drive Link In Gmail
Gmail detects big attachments and inserts a Drive link instead. That keeps the message light and gives the recipient the same file you control in Drive. You can also click the Drive icon in Gmail to pick files to send. The official help page on sending attachments shows the 25 MB switch-over.
Privacy, Control, And Cleanup
Large sends don’t have to mean wide access. Use the lowest role that fits, limit the audience, and add an expiration date for short projects. For long hand-offs, transfer ownership of Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other supported files so the new owner controls sharing and storage.
Sending Large Files With Google Drive: Step-By-Step
1) Upload Fast
Use wired Ethernet when you can. Close heavy streams during the upload. For folders, Drive for desktop saves clicks and keeps the structure intact. This is where many searchers type “how to send large files in google drive,” and this step starts it.
2) Pick The Right Share Mode
Start with Viewer. Add Commenter when you need reviews. Grant Editor only when co-editing is part of the plan.
3) Share The Link Or Add People
Copy the link and send it anywhere. If the file is sensitive, add people by email and skip public links.
4) Send Through Gmail When It’s Big
Attach the file as a Drive link from the compose window. Gmail handles the prompts so recipients can open without delay.
5) Set An Expiration When Access Should End
For short-term partners, add a time limit so access ends on schedule. That keeps your Drive tidy and reduces risk.
6) Transfer Ownership For True Handoffs
When a file should live with someone else, change the owner. Cross-domain transfers are limited in many Workspace setups, so a shared drive or a copy may be smoother.
Common Scenarios And The Best Route
Send A 3-GB Video To A Client
Upload to Drive, set Anyone with the link to Viewer, and send the link. If feedback is needed on scenes, move it into a shared drive both sides can reach.
Email A 400-MB Deck To A Team
Compose in Gmail, click the Drive icon, and insert as a Drive link. Gmail skips the 25 MB ceiling and uses the same file in Drive, so updates carry through.
Hand Off A Project Archive
Zip the folder, upload, then transfer ownership for Docs, Sheets, and Slides. For files that don’t support ownership moves across domains, place the archive in a shared drive both sides can reach.
Speed Tips For Smoother Uploads
- Use Drive for desktop for long jobs; it retries cleanly after drops.
- Pause other heavy transfers during the upload window.
- Keep your laptop awake; disable sleep until the sync ends.
- Prefer Ethernet or sit near the router for stable Wi-Fi.
- Split huge archives into parts so a failed chunk doesn’t restart the whole run.
Troubleshooting Quick Wins
“Upload Failed” Or Stuck Sync
Restart Drive for desktop, then retry. If a single item stalls, zip it and upload the archive. Check that you haven’t hit the 750 GB daily cap.
Recipient Can’t Open The Link
Confirm the link setting. Switch from Restricted to Anyone with the link when the audience is broad, or add their email if the file is sensitive.
“You Need Permission” Loops
In Gmail, accept the prompt to update access for recipients. Or copy the link as Viewer and share it in chat while you adjust settings.
Google Drive Limits That Matter When Sending
| Limit | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max Single File Size | 5 TB | Applies to most file types stored in Drive |
| Daily Upload Cap | 750 GB per user | Across My Drive and shared drives |
| Gmail Attachment Cap | 25 MB | Gmail uses a Drive link beyond this size |
| Ownership Transfer | Same-domain only in many tiers | Cross-domain moves are limited |
| Shared Drive Expiration | Available in Workspace | Add end dates on access |
| Viewer/Commenter/Editor | 3 roles | Use the least access that works |
Recap: Choose The Right Route And Ship
You now have clear steps to send big items with speed and control. Pick link sharing for reach, Gmail insert for mail threads, shared drives for teams, and ownership transfers for long hand-offs. With the limits in mind and a few habits in place, you’ll move large files with less back-and-forth. Send files fast.