There are many ways to share files with others, including sending them in a group chat, attaching them to an email, or pinging them via AirDrop or Nearby Share. All of these work perfectly, but all are best for small files.
For example, if you send someone a larger file, such as a high-resolution video or an archive of various files, you may start to run into problems. Your email client might reject the file because it’s too large, or it might wait a while for the file to be transferred over a protocol like Bluetooth.
Additionally, if you want to limit the amount of time a file can be downloaded, or if you want to limit who has access and the type of access, a more feature-rich app is probably a better choice.
However, there are some good options. Popular cloud storage services like Apple iCloud, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive include flexible file sharing options. However, if you don’t want to use the app or don’t want to use it for data sharing, there are also many dedicated apps that only do file sharing and nothing else.
Below, we’ll take a look at the file sharing options offered by Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as some third-party apps. There are a lot of the latter. I’ve listed the most popular ones and the ones I’ve used several times.
iCloud Drive
Maximum file share size: 50GB
Apple’s iCloud Drive allows you to upload files to cloud storage. iCloud Drive on the web Click the upload button at the top (the arrow pointing in the direction of the cloud). You can also upload files using the iCloud Drive folder in macOS. iCloud for Windowsor the Files app on iOS.
To share a file from the web interface, click the three dots next to the file name, then click collaborate with others When you click , a new dialog box will appear.
- click stock options Choose who can access your file: People you specifically invite or people who find the link. You can also choose whether the people you’re sharing the file with can edit it.
- Check the box labeled Anyone can add people You want to allow the person you’re sharing the file with to re-share the file.
- select Copy link, if you want to share the link with a specific person, you must enter that person’s email address.click shareand iCloud Drive A link to the file will be generated and can be shared via email, instant message, etc.
You can’t set an expiration date on a shared link, but you can revoke access for a specific person or disable the link at any time by simply clicking the three dots next to the file. collaborate with others. If you’re using an iPhone, press and hold a file in the Files app, then tap[共有オプション]You can find the same sharing options by selecting . share and cooperate From the drop-down menu.
google drive
Maximum file share size: 5TB (depending on the file type)
If you’re a Google Drive user, you have a variety of options for sharing files.from web interfaceyou can click New > File Upload You can upload files up to 5TB in size. or, Google Drive Desktop Client To sync files from your Windows or macOS computer or the Google Drive app android or iOS Upload files from your mobile phone.
- Once your file is uploaded and ready to share, click the three dots next to the file in the web interface, then click Share > Share. The next dialog box provides several options for sharing the file.
- To generate a link that anyone can use, limited change it to Anyone with the link. You can share this link on social media, in messages, or anywhere you like.
- Once the link is created, click . viewer Change the access level on the right. viewer (read only), Commenteror Editor. The last two options only affect editable files (such as Google Docs documents), not documents that require an external application.
- or Add people or groups In the box, enter the specific contact you want to share the file with via email address. This requires contacts to log in to view the file, allowing you to manage access more carefully than with links. The drop-down menu on the right allows you to choose between: viewer, Commenterand Editor You also have the option to notify your contacts that the file was shared and leave a message if you wish.
Google Drive doesn’t have an option to set expiration dates on shared files, but you can revert to the same settings to revoke access to shared files. share dialog. The same option is available on the mobile app by tapping the three dots next to a file. share or Manage access.
Microsoft OneDrive
Maximum file share size: 250GB
If Microsoft is your preferred cloud storage provider (which it probably is if you spend most of your time on Windows), you can share your files by: web interfacevia the Windows OneDrive folder, OneDrive for macOSor via OneDrive android or iOS.
On the web, click the three dots next to the file, click share It’s for sharing with others. The next dialog presents two options.
- To share a file with a specific person, enter their name. to Click the box and optionally add a message to attach to the sharing invitation.click send Share files.
- or copy Create links to files that you can share anywhere from forums to social networks.
- For both options, Anyone with the link can edit it Set next to them. Click this to set editing permissions, an expiration date for the shared link, and optionally a password to access the file.
To change these settings after a file has been shared, or to revoke access to the file completely, click the three dots next to the file, then Manage access.
we forward
Maximum file sharing size: 2GB (free). 200GB ($12/month); unlimited ($23/month)
You don’t necessarily have to use a full cloud storage service to share large files. WeTransfer is available on the webupon androidand further iOSallows you to share files up to 2 GB in size for free. Pay $12/month for a Pro account and get up to 200 GB. You pay $23 per month for a premium account and there is no file size limit.
- If the file you need to send is less than 2 GB in size, you don’t even need to sign up for an account.Just agree to the terms of use of WeTransfer websiteYou are now ready to start uploading.
- select Upload the file Click to select the files you want to send from your computer.
- Click on the three dots to select Send email forwarding or Get transfer link. The former handles everything via your email address and displays a confirmation once the file is downloaded. With the latter, you get a link that you can share with anyone without confirmation.
- When everything is ready, click transfer or get link Share files.
If you select this option, a confirmation message and a link to copy will appear on your screen.If you have registered a WeTransfer account, free or not, log in to your account and[ダウンロード]You can track the number of times a file has been downloaded by selecting . transfer From above.
There are many other options for both methods. Some are available for free accounts, while others are not. For example, you can set a custom wallpaper on your download page (although free accounts will have ads). You can also set a custom expiration date (up to 7 days for free accounts, unlimited for paid accounts) and a password for file sharing (for paid users). Whether you pay or not, you also have the option to add a message when sharing a file.
smash
Maximum file sharing size: 2GB (free). 250GB ($4.80 per month)
Smash is similar to WeTransfer in that it focuses on quickly sharing large files without connecting other cloud storage features.can stack smash on the web Send files up to 2GB without paying or registering. Sign up for one of our subscription plans. Subscription plans start at $10 per month or $72 per year and go up to 250 GB.
When you sign up for a subscription plan, you also get additional features like custom branding of your download page and shared links that last for 30 days instead of 14. If you are satisfied with free file sharing, please proceed to the next step. Go to website Click on the Smash logo in the center.
- Select the file you want to share from your computer and choose one of two ways to share it. Email or Link.
- let’s go to Email Once you select the option, you will need to enter your email address, the email address of the person you want to share the file with, and the subject header and message you want to include in the email.
- select Link Instead, there are two optional text fields that you can fill in if you wish: a title and a custom URL for the download page. An email address is required to confirm your download. Finally, there is a checkbox that means anyone who wants to download the file must also enter their email address.
- In either case, Email or Link In the options, you can click the gear icon at the bottom to set a password for file sharing and customize how long files can be shared (up to 14 days for free accounts).
- When you’re ready, click on one send (for email) or get link (for link).
You will then receive an email confirming the transfer and a link will appear on your screen if you choose to share your files this way. If you are a free user, you can receive email updates when files are downloaded. If you end up paying for Smash, you can also get your details by logging into your account.