Sending Zip Files through Gmail: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of emailing large files that are too big for some email services? Do you need to share zip files with others? In this article, we will explore how to send zip files through Gmail and provide a step-by-step guide to make it easier.
The Limitations of Gmail’s Attachment Limitations
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand Gmail’s attachment limitations. The maximum size of an attachment is 25MB, and the maximum file size is 25MB. However, Gmail can only send attachments of the following types:
- Text files (.txt)
- Images (.jpg,.jpeg,.png,.gif,.bmp)
- Binaries (.zip,.tar.gz,.7z)
- Videos (.mp4,.mov)
If you need to send larger files, such as documents or executable files, you’ll need to use alternative email services or file-sharing platforms.
The Solution: Sending Zip Files through Gmail
Unfortunately, Gmail does not support sending zip files directly through its email interface. However, there are a few workarounds to get you around this limitation:
- Use Gmail’s Attachments: You can attach your zip file to a Gmail message and add the zip file attachment as a binary file attachment. This method allows you to send large files, but it’s not ideal.
- Use Email Services: Services like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Sendinblue allow you to upload and share large files, including zip files. They also provide features like file preview and download links.
- Use Cloud Storage: You can store your zip file in a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Then, you can share the download link with the recipient, and they can download the file directly from the cloud storage.
The New Gmail Feature: Uploading and Sharing Zip Files
In 2015, Gmail introduced a new feature that allows users to upload and share zip files directly from the email interface. This feature is available for both Gmail and Google Apps.
Here’s how to upload and share a zip file through Gmail:
- Log in to your Gmail account and click on the "Compose" button.
- In the compose window, click on the "Attach file" button.
- Select "Zip file" from the file type dropdown menu.
- Choose the zip file you want to upload and click "Open file" to select it.
- The upload is complete, and a link to download the zip file will be generated.
Benefits of Sending Zip Files through Gmail
While sending zip files through Gmail may not be the most convenient option, it has its benefits:
- Free: Gmail is free to use, making it an attractive option for those who need to send large files.
- Easy to use: The upload and sharing process is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise.
- Integration with other Google services: If you use other Google services, such as Google Drive or Google Docs, you can easily share the zip file with others who have access to those services.
Conclusion
Sending zip files through Gmail may not be the most ideal solution, but it’s a useful workaround for those who need to share large files. By understanding Gmail’s attachment limitations and exploring alternative options, you can still get the job done.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Gmail’s attachment limitations: File types supported: text files, images, binaries, and videos.
- Using Gmail to upload and share zip files: Upload a zip file to Gmail and share the link to download the file.
- Alternative options: Use email services, cloud storage, or file-sharing platforms to send and share large files.
In the next article, we’ll explore alternative email services and cloud storage options that can help you send and share large files.
Alternatives to Gmail for Sending Large Files
- Send in Mail: A free service that allows you to send emails with attachments and files up to 25MB in size.
- Rocket Send: A cloud-based email service that allows you to send emails and attachments up to 10GB in size.
- SendSpace: A cloud-based email service that allows you to send emails and attachments up to 20GB in size.
Note: The prices and features of these services may vary depending on the plan you choose.