How do you email large files?

There are several ways to send large files over the Internet, but if you absolutely must send the file as an email attachment, compress it in a file archive, then split it into smaller chunks. The popular open-source file archiving software, 7-Zip, makes doing so a relatively simple task.

1. Download and install 7-Zip

   If you do not yet have 7-Zip, go to 7-Zip.org to download the installer. After downloading, run the installation file and follow the provided instructions to complete the installation.

2. Add the file you want to send to an archive

   Open a file explorer window, and navigate to the directory where the file you want to send is stored. Then, right click on the file and highlight the 7-Zip option. In the 7-Zip menu, select "Add to archive."

3. Change the archiving options

   In the Add to Archive window, change the archive format to 7z and the compression level to Ultra. In the Split to Volumes field, type in or select the maximum attachment size your email provider allows (e.g., type "25M" if you are doing a Gmail to Gmail transfer). Then, click OK to create the archive, which is split into files with the extensions ".7z.001," ".7z.002," ".7z.003" and so on.

4. Send the split files

   Since each archive piece is already as large as the maximum file size allowed by your email provider, attach each archive piece to an individual email. Your recipient must use 7-Zip to combine the split files.