Gmail is the most widely used email service in the world, renowned for its user-friendly interface and robust features. However, one of the limitations users often encounter is the 25MB file size cap for attachments. This can be particularly inconvenient for those who need to send larger files or high-resolution photos. Luckily, Google provides a seamless solution with the ‘Insert using Drive’ option, making it easy to send large attachments via Gmail. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use this feature effectively.
Step 1: Upload Files to Google Drive
On Desktop:
- Open Google Drive: Launch your web browser and navigate to Google Drive.
- Upload Files: Click on the ‘+ New’ button located on the left side of the screen. Select ‘File upload’ and choose the files or photos you want to upload from your computer. Wait for the upload to complete.
On Smartphone:
- Open Google Drive App: Open the Google Drive app on your smartphone.
- Upload Files: Tap the ‘+’ icon located in the bottom right corner of the app. Select ‘Upload’ and choose the files or photos you wish to upload from your device.
Step 2: Compose Email in Gmail
On Desktop:
- Open Gmail: Go to Gmail and click on the ‘Compose’ button to start a new email.
- Google Drive Icon: Look for the Google Drive icon at the bottom of the compose window.
On Smartphone:
- Open Gmail App: Launch the Gmail app on your smartphone and tap the ‘Compose’ button to create a new email.
- Attachment Icon: Tap the attachment icon (paperclip) located in the compose window.
Step 3: Select Files from Google Drive
On Desktop:
- Select Files: Click the Google Drive icon in the email compose window. Navigate to the files you uploaded to Google Drive. Select the files you want to attach and click “Insert.”
On Smartphone:
- Insert from Drive: Tap the attachment icon (paperclip) and choose ‘Insert from Drive.’ Navigate to the files you want to attach. Tap “Select” or “Insert.”
Step 4: Insert Link into Email
Google will automatically create a link to the file stored in Google Drive and insert it into your email. This link allows the recipient to access and download the file directly from Google Drive.
Step 5: Set File Sharing Options
Before sending the email, Google will prompt you to set the file sharing options:
- View, Comment, or Edit: Choose whether you want the recipient to view, comment on, or edit the files.
- Anyone with the Link: For broader access, select the “anyone with the link” option, allowing anyone with the link to access the files.
Step 6: Send Email
After configuring the sharing options, simply send the email to the recipient. They will receive an email with a link to the file in Google Drive, which they can click to download the file.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily send large files or photos through Gmail without worrying about the 25MB attachment limit. Utilizing Google Drive for larger attachments not only bypasses size restrictions but also ensures that your files are shared securely and efficiently.
Tips:
- Sufficient Storage: Ensure you have enough storage space in Google Drive for your uploads to avoid any interruptions.
- Organize Your Drive: Regularly manage and organize your Google Drive to keep track of your files and sharing permissions, ensuring a smooth file-sharing experience.
By using Google Drive to send large files, you can streamline your email communication and make the process of sharing large attachments hassle-free.