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Regular email services have size limitations, making them unsuitable for sending large files common to production work (like high-resolution images, pdfs, or design files).  That’s why the following services are better choices:

File-Sharing Services

Stand-alone Options

WeTransfer

Image of WeTransfer website
  • How it Works: Upload your files and WeTransfer generates a download link to share with our production team. Recipients don’t need a WeTransfer account to download the files.
  • Pros: Super simple to use, no logins required, can send files up to 2GB for free.
  • Cons: Files are only available for 7 days.

Cloud Options

Google Drive

Image of Google Drive website
  • How it Works: Upload files to your Google Drive account and either share the files directly or generate a link for access.
  • Pros: Seamless integration with Gmail, 15GB of free storage, excellent for collaboration.
  • Cons: Recipients may need a Google account to view depending on your settings. (See note below).

Send Anywhere

Image of Send Anywhere website
  • How it Works: Upload your files and receive a download link and/or a unique 6-digit code to share with the production team.
  • Pros: Can send files up to 10GB in the free version, no account creation required, strong focus on security.
  • Cons: Features have time limits in the free version.

Dropbox

Image of Dropbox website
  • How it Works: Similar to Google Drive, upload files to your Dropbox and share them or create download links.
  • Pros: User-friendly, great if you regularly need to share files, offers syncing across devices.
  • Cons: Limited to 2GB of storage on the free plan. Similar permissions issue as Google Drive (see below).

Which One to Choose?

  • Quick and Easy: WeTransfer wins for its simplicity and not requiring accounts.
  • Large Files: Send Anywhere offers the largest free file size transfers.
  • Google Ecosystem: Google Drive is a winner if your team already uses Google products extensively.
  • Regular File Sharing Needs: Dropbox might be a good fit if you anticipate sending large files frequently.

Important Notes for Cloud Options

Common Permissions Issues

  • Incorrect sharing settings: The file or folder might not be shared with the right people or may have the wrong level of permissions (e.g., “Can View” instead of “Can Edit”).
  • Recipient needs an account: Some files may require recipients to have a Google or Dropbox account to access them, depending on the sharing settings you choose. This could be an obstacle for your production team.
  • Conflicting permissions: In complex folder structures, there could be permissions at a higher folder level restricting access even when the intended file has the correct settings.
  1. Double-check sharing links
    • Before sending a sharing link, open it in an incognito/private browser window to ensure it works without the recipient needing to log in.
  2. Clearly instruct recipients
    • If a Google account is required for access, let your production team know in advance.
  3. Adjust sharing settings
    • Go to the file/folder you want to share, click “Share” and make sure it’s set to either “Anyone with the link can edit” or “Anyone with the link can view” depending on the access level needed.

As always if you run into any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ops@our-hometown.com.

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