How to Send Large PDF Files: 5 Easy Methods

5 min read

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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Trying 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:

  1. Go to LinkyHost PDF to Link
  2. Upload your PDF (any size)
  3. Copy the generated link
  4. 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:

  1. Go to LinkyHost PDF Compressor
  2. Upload your PDF
  3. Download the compressed version
  4. 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

  1. Upload PDF to Google Drive
  2. Right-click > Share
  3. Set permissions
  4. Copy and share the link

Pros: 15GB free storage Cons: Recipients may need to sign in

Dropbox

  1. Upload PDF to Dropbox
  2. Click Share
  3. Create link
  4. Send via email

Pros: Clean interface Cons: 2GB free limit

OneDrive

  1. Upload to OneDrive
  2. Click Share
  3. 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:

  1. Go to LinkyHost Split PDF
  2. Upload your large PDF
  3. Choose how to split (by pages or size)
  4. Download parts
  5. 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?

MethodMax SizeTrackingFreeBest For
LinkyHostUnlimitedProfessional sharing
CompressAnySlightly oversized files
Google Drive15GBTeam sharing
Split PDFAnyMust use email
WeTransfer2GBOne-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.

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