How to Send Large PDF Files: 5 Easy Methods
Learn how to send large PDF files that are too big for email. Best methods for sharing PDFs over 25MB including free options.
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PDF CompressorTrying to send a PDF that's too big for email? You're not alone. Most email services limit attachments to 25MB, but PDFs can easily exceed that. Here are 5 easy ways to share large PDF files.
Why Email Attachments Have Size Limits
- Gmail: 25MB limit
- Outlook: 20MB limit (10MB for some corporate accounts)
- Yahoo Mail: 25MB limit
- Apple Mail: Varies by provider
When your PDF exceeds these limits, you need an alternative method.
Method 1: Convert PDF to Shareable Link (Best Option)
The easiest way to share any size PDF is by converting it to a link.
How to Do It:
- Go to LinkyHost PDF to Link
- Upload your PDF (any size)
- Copy the generated link
- Share via email, text, or anywhere
Benefits:
- No size limits - Share PDFs of any size
- View tracking - See when recipients open your file
- Password protection - Secure sensitive documents
- Fast loading - Recipients don't have to download
Example Use Cases:
- Sending annual reports (often 50MB+)
- Sharing high-resolution portfolios
- Distributing training manuals
- Sending contract bundles
Method 2: Compress the PDF First
If your PDF is slightly over the limit, compression might work.
How to Compress:
- Go to LinkyHost PDF Compressor
- Upload your PDF
- Download the compressed version
- Try attaching to email
What to Expect:
- 50-80% size reduction typical
- Quality remains readable
- Best for text-heavy documents
- Less effective for image-heavy PDFs
When This Works Best:
- PDFs are 30-50MB
- Documents are text-based
- You need to keep the attachment format
Method 3: Use Cloud Storage Services
Upload to cloud storage and share a link.
Google Drive
- Upload PDF to Google Drive
- Right-click > Share
- Set permissions
- Copy and share the link
Pros: 15GB free storage Cons: Recipients may need to sign in
Dropbox
- Upload PDF to Dropbox
- Click Share
- Create link
- Send via email
Pros: Clean interface Cons: 2GB free limit
OneDrive
- Upload to OneDrive
- Click Share
- Copy link
Pros: 5GB free, integrates with Outlook Cons: Best for Microsoft users
Method 4: Split the PDF
If you need to send via email, split into smaller parts.
How to Split:
- Go to LinkyHost Split PDF
- Upload your large PDF
- Choose how to split (by pages or size)
- Download parts
- Send as separate emails
When to Use:
- Recipient specifically needs email attachment
- Document has natural break points
- You don't want to use cloud services
Method 5: Use File Transfer Services
For very large files, use dedicated transfer services.
Options:
- WeTransfer - 2GB free, email-based
- SendGB - 5GB free
- Filemail - 5GB free
Considerations:
- Files typically expire after 7 days
- Less professional appearance
- No view tracking
Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Max Size | Tracking | Free | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LinkyHost | Unlimited | ✅ | ✅ | Professional sharing |
| Compress | Any | ❌ | ✅ | Slightly oversized files |
| Google Drive | 15GB | ❌ | ✅ | Team sharing |
| Split PDF | Any | ❌ | ✅ | Must use email |
| WeTransfer | 2GB | ❌ | ✅ | One-time transfers |
Step-by-Step: Best Practice for Large PDFs
Here's our recommended workflow:
1. Try Compression First
Upload to PDF Compressor. If the result is under 25MB, you can email it directly.
2. If Still Too Large, Create a Link
Upload to PDF to Link. This works for any file size and gives you tracking.
3. Write a Professional Email
Hi [Name],
Please find the document attached via the link below:
[Document Name]: [Your LinkyHost Link]
The file was too large to attach directly. Click the link
to view or download.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
[Your Name]
Tips for Managing Large PDFs
Reduce PDF Size Before Sharing
- Remove unnecessary pages
- Lower image resolution
- Use PDF/A format for documents
- Remove embedded fonts
Organize Large Documents
- Use bookmarks for navigation
- Add a table of contents
- Split into logical sections
For Regular Large File Sharing
Consider LinkyHost Pro for:
- Unlimited file storage
- Custom branding
- Advanced analytics
- Password protection
Common Questions
Why is my PDF so large?
Common causes:
- High-resolution images
- Embedded fonts
- Scanned documents (image-based)
- Multiple pages
Can I send a 100MB PDF for free?
Yes! Use LinkyHost PDF to Link to create a shareable link. There's no file size limit.
Will compressing affect quality?
Slightly, but it remains readable. Our compressor uses smart algorithms to maintain quality while reducing size.
How long do shared links last?
LinkyHost links don't expire by default. You can set optional expiration dates for sensitive documents.