What is large file transfer?
Large file transfer refers to sending digital files that exceed the limits of traditional communication methods.
What is large file transfer?
Large file transfer refers to sending digital files that exceed the limits of traditional communication methods, such as email attachments.
Specialized file transfer services are designed to handle these larger files efficiently.
Where the threshold lies
In practice, a file becomes a large file transfer once it passes the email attachment limit of roughly 25 MB. Everything above that requires a different delivery method.
| Size | Practical situation |
|---|---|
| Under 25 MB | Email attachment still works |
| 25 MB to 2 GB | Most free transfer tiers cover it |
| 2 GB to 20 GB | Requires a generous free tier or a paid plan |
| 20 GB to 250 GB | Paid plans, typical for video and raw material |
| Above 250 GB | Unlimited plans or physical delivery |
How the technology differs from email
- files are uploaded once and stored, rather than copied into every mailbox
- delivery happens through a link instead of an attachment
- interrupted uploads can resume rather than starting over
- the recipient downloads when it suits them, at their own speed
- nothing is re-encoded, so the file arrives byte-identical
What matters when choosing a service
- the per-transfer limit, not just total storage
- how long transfers stay available before expiring
- whether the recipient needs an account
- password protection and encryption for confidential material
- where the data is physically stored, which matters under GDPR
MyAirBridge sends up to 20 GB per transfer for free, up to unlimited on Enterprise, and stores data in regional data centres in the EU, the United States and Asia.
FAQ
What counts as a large file transfer?
Anything beyond the email attachment limit of roughly 25 MB, which in practice means video, photo sets, design packages, and datasets.
Why are specialized services used?
They store the file once and deliver it through a link, they handle sizes measured in gigabytes, and they do not re-encode the content.
How large can a transfer be?
On MyAirBridge, 20 GB on the free tier, 50 GB on Basic, 250 GB on Pro, and unlimited on Enterprise.
Summary
Large file transfer covers everything email cannot carry, which starts at about 25 MB. Dedicated services store the file once, deliver it through a link without accounts, and preserve the original, with limits from 20 GB free up to unlimited on business plans.