How to Send Large Files through Gmail Using Google Drive

Are you trying to send a large file through Gmail, but you find it challenging due to size restrictions? Google Drive makes it easy to share files through Gmail without worrying about attachment size limits. In this blog post, we will guide you step-by-step on how to send large files using Google Drive via Gmail.

The Problem With Sharing Large Files via Google Drive Link

Sharing a Google Drive link through Gmail might seem like a simple solution, but it comes with a few drawbacks worth considering. When you send a Drive link, the recipient can potentially access more than you intended, depending on your sharing settings, they may be able to browse other files or folders within your Drive. There's also no way to control what happens after you hit send, once someone has the link, you can't easily revoke access or know whether they've viewed, downloaded, or forwarded your file. For personal use this might be fine, but for sensitive business documents or confidential data, a basic Drive link leaves too much to chance.

How to send large files using Google Drive 

Open Gmail:

1. Open your web browser and visit Gmail.
2. Log in to your account if you haven't already.

Compose a New Email:

1. Click the "Compose" button to start a new email.
2. Attach a File from Google Drive:
3. At the bottom of the email compose window, you will see a Google Drive icon (triangle shape).
4. Click the icon to open your Google Drive files.

Select the File:

1. Navigate to the large file you want to attach.
2. Click on the file to select it and then click "Insert as Drive Link”.

Complete the Email:

1. The file will appear in the body of your email as a link.
2. Add a recipient, subject, and body text to your email.

Send the Email:

1. Click the "Send" button to send the email with the Google Drive link.

How to send large files from your mobile using Google Drive 

Open the Gmail App:

1. Open the Gmail app on your mobile device and login if necessary.

Compose a New Email:

1. Tap the "+" icon or "Compose" button to start a new email.

Attach a File from Google Drive:

1. Tap the paperclip icon to attach a file.
2. Choose "Insert from Drive" from the menu that appears.

Select the File:

1. Navigate to the large file you want to attach.
2. Tap on the file to select it and then tap "Select" or "Insert."

Complete the Email:

1. The file will appear in the email as a link.
2. Add a recipient, subject, and body text.

Send the Email:

1. Tap the "Send" button to send the email with the Google Drive link.

How to securely send large files on Gmail 

While using Google Drive to share large files through Gmail is convenient, you might be concerned about exposing your confidential documents or corporate Google Drive data to external parties. That's where Orangedox can help.

Orangedox plugs into your Google Drive and allows you to share large files through Gmail while safeguarding your privacy.

With Orangedox, you can:

1. Share files without exposing your Google Drive to outside parties.
2. Ensure that only the intended recipient can access the files.
3. Disable access to your files at any time, even after they’ve been sent. 
4. Track who views your documents and for how long.

By using Orangedox, you can confidently share large files through Gmail while keeping your data secure. Give it a try and experience the peace of mind that comes with enhanced privacy and control!

How to Send Large Files Using Orangedox

Sign Up and Log In:

If you don't have an account yet, go to Orangedox and sign up.

This will sync Orangedox to Your Google Drive, you won’t need to upload files to Orangedox and they will always be synced to your Google Drive account even after you share your files.

Choose the “Share app”:

Once your account is set up and connected, choose “Share” under apps.

Click on the "Share File" button to select between Secure Track & Track Only options

Select “My Drive” and choose the file you want to share

If the file you want to share is under “Shared Drives”, you will need to have permission from your organization to do so, and manager access. 

Choose permissions and levels of security:

Adjust the permissions for the file, you can choose from allowing or disallowing downloading of the file. Note you can readjust this permission even after sharing your file. 

Device Limit Security: Each recipient will be allowed access to a limited number of devices. Does not apply when accessed by a verified Orangedox account.

Device Expiry: Device access will be automatically revoked after the specified period. Does not apply when accessed by a verified Orangedox account.

Set who can access the file (email specific people).

Choose Method of Delivery:

You can choose from two delivery methods Automatically Send Access Email, Each recipient will be automatically emailed access from or Manually Send Access Email, Send access links manually to each recipient. Access links for each recipient will be provided.

File Size Limits and Supported File Types in Orangedox

Orangedox supports a wide range of file types commonly stored in Google Drive, including PDFs, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and image files. Since Orangedox works directly with your existing Google Drive files, there's no need to re-upload anything, your files stay where they are, synced automatically. Overall storage limits align with your Google Drive storage plan, so as long as your files are in Drive, Orangedox can share it. For best results when tracking document views, PDF format is recommended, as it offers the most reliable rendering across devices.

Check out this tutorial in our YouTube video channel to learn how to share files securely.

Orangedox seamlessly integrates with Google Drive, offering enhanced privacy and control over file sharing. Users can share files securely through Gmail without exposing their Google Drive data to external parties.

FAQ

What is the maximum file size I can send through Gmail?

Gmail allows attachments up to 25MB per email. For anything larger, it automatically prompts you to use Google Drive and send the file as a link instead.

Is sending files via Google Drive link secure?

It can be, but it depends on your sharing settings. If set incorrectly, recipients may gain broader access than intended, and you won’t have visibility into how the file is used after sending.

Can I revoke access to a Google Drive file after sending it?

Yes, but you’ll need to manually update the sharing settings in Google Drive. There’s no built-in way to track who viewed or downloaded the file.

How can I track who views my files in Gmail?

Gmail and Google Drive don’t provide detailed tracking by default. Tools like Orangedox add tracking features, allowing you to see who accessed your file and for how long.

What’s the safest way to send sensitive files via Gmail?

For sensitive documents (like investor decks, M&A files, or contracts), using a secure document sharing tool like Orangedox is recommended. It ensures only intended recipients can access the file and gives you full control even after sending.

Can I send large files from my phone using Gmail?

Yes, the Gmail mobile app lets you insert files directly from Google Drive, just like on desktop. The file will be shared as a Drive link.

Do I need to upload files again to use Orangedox?

No, Orangedox works directly with your existing Google Drive files. Everything stays synced, so there’s no need to re-upload or duplicate documents.

What file types work best for secure tracking?

PDF files work best, as they offer consistent formatting across devices and provide the most reliable tracking insights.

Start your 14-day free trial of Orangedox Virtual Data Rooms and see what Orangedox can do for your business.

Orangedox provides one-click create virtual data rooms that are directly synced with your Google Drive folders.

Learn about secure sharing options.