With the effects of the pandemic rippling across the globe, it’s no surprise that our work and school environments have changed dramatically. Our Zoom usage is skyrocketing, our team meetings are happening on Slack, and even our casual chats with friends have gone digital.

This, of course, can make Gmail’s standard 15MB attachment size seem pretty laughable.

Whether you’re working on a video together or you’re trying to share photos of your last in-person outing, it’s hard to know how to send big files to friends online. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to help you get around the traditional email limits. Here’s what you need to know to get those big files safely to your friend’s computer.

1. Use Your Cloud Storage

If you have access to a free cloud storage service, you may already have your files stored in the cloud. If this is the case, you can simply go into the sharing settings to give your friend access.

Of course, most cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer limited storage, often ranging from just 2GB to 15GB of data. This means you may not have the space you need to save or upload your files to the cloud.

If this is the case, you’d need to pay for a premium tier, which can cost you a pretty penny. That said, most services offer monthly plans in the $10-15 dollar range, which could allow you to subscribe, upload your files, and then cancel the service if the files are time-sensitive.

2. Change the File Type

One of the easiest and most obvious ways to send a big file to a friend is to make it smaller. This can be the most straightforward option if you’re sending a large volume of files that are a single file type.

For example, if you’re sending over bulky spreadsheet data, CSV files will almost always be smaller than their XLSX cousins. When you need to share images, a PNG can sometimes be larger than a PDF. PDFs, in turn, can often be larger than JPEGs, which are an ideal choice because they’re so easy to compress, as long as you don’t mind a loss in image quality!

In other words, sending large files gets much easier if you know what to expect in terms of size, on average, from the file types you’re working with. When you need an easy conversion to send big files for free, a conversion tool that works with common file types can help.

Once you’ve changed the file type, you may be able to simply send the smaller files to your friend via email.

3. Compress Your Files

If you’re sending an uncommon file type, if you don’t want to convert hundreds of files, or if your converted files are still too large to send, you may need another option. That’s where file compression comes in.

Most file compression tools allow you to shrink a file size in seconds to minutes. One popular and free option is 7-Zip, which works across multiple platforms. Though you’ll need to download it to compress your files, your friend should be able to open and access them without downloading additional software.

One perk of using a compression tool is an extra layer of safety: with many of these tools, you can require a password to open the compressed folder. This ensures that only your friend can access any sensitive content you send over.

4. Use a File Transfer Site

Third-party file transfer sites can be an efficient way of sending a larger file online, especially when the data is too large for a simple email. With this type of service, the website will store the file online on your behalf, sending a download link to your friend so they can access the files at their convenience.

Of course, this option requires payment—though the price will depend on which site you work with and the size of your files. Most will charge you a subscription fee of a few dollars per month for around 10GB of storage, though you can pay upwards of $20 for 25GB or more.

5. Send or Bring Them a Physical Drive

If you don’t mind doing a delivery yourself, or if you’re willing to pay for mailing services, you may want to consider sending a physical storage system to your friend. This can range from a small 16GB flash drive to a hefty 2 TB hard drive.

One obvious perk of this option is that you may already have these storage systems on hand, meaning you won’t have to put down any extra money to send the file. In addition, using a USB or drive to store larger files you’re working on can extend your computer’s data storage, which can help it run faster and ease its strain.

The disadvantage, of course, is that you’ll have to physically transfer the files to your friend. This can be an issue if you’re worried about the device traveling across long distances, or if you’ll need to send it back and forth multiple times.

Share Big Files With Your Friends and Beyond

Whether you’re sharing photos with a friend or sending a huge presentation to a coworker, knowing how to share big files is key. Getting around the standard email attachment size limit doesn’t have to be hard, as long as you know your way around a few common file types and transfer methods.

If you’re ready to share your precious data online, make sure you have access to an easy file converter! Offdrive is the perfect free resource for converting all of your common files, so get started today to share more of your files with friends.

Are you tired of getting stuck not being able to open an email attachment from your friend or coworker? Do you fear that your inability to open your email attachments is part of a larger list of computer problems?

If so, then you need to learn what to do when you can’t open an email attachment that you desperately want/need to see. The problem should be resolved in only a few steps!

See below for an in-depth guide how what you should do when you notice that your computer can’t open email attachments. Use these common questions as your guide.

What is an Email Attachment Used for?

Many people think that the only definition for an email attachment is when a file has been included in a message. While that’s one method of it, there are many more.

You may not have realized that an email can also be sent as an email attachment. You have the ability to send more than one email attachment at a time, assuming you have the file size capabilities to do so.

In its simplest form, email attachments are supposed to be an easy way for you to share photos and digital documents with your recipients. However, that isn’t always the case.

There could be several reasons why you’re struggling to open the email attachment you have received (more on that in a minute). The email might require a specific application that you don’t have downloaded. 

For example, if your coworker sends you over an Adobe Acrobat file, but you don’t have Adobe downloaded, then you won’t be able to open the file. This will be especially confusing if you’ve asked to hide all pop-ups from your browser and don’t see the automatic message requiring you to download the Adobe software.

Please note that the majority of malware or cyberattacks are done by downloading an email attachment and having their unsuspecting victims open them. If you see an attachment with a file finding in .exe or .com, it’s likely to be an attempt at a malware attack.

That can also be avoided by staying away from common email phishing subject lines such as:

• “Reset password”
• “IT notice”
• “Assist urgently”
• “Verify your account”
• “Invoice”
• “Reply Quickly”

The list goes on and on. If you feel like the subject line is generic and attempting to force you into a rash decision, it could be a hacker. Stay away at all costs.

Reasons Why Email Attachments Won’t Open

Now that you have to see what email attachments are usually for, it’s time to identify some of the most common issues. See below for an in-depth list.

Unfamiliar File Format

As previously mentioned, this is when you receive a file from a format or application that your computer does not recognize.

The most common example of this is a PDF that requires you to have a PDF reader installed to download the file. Such PDF readers include Adobe Acrobat, Nitro PDF, Foxit Reader, and so forth.

To solve this issue, you may need to download a PDF reader. However, you don’t have to download the one that they’re pointing you toward. Be sure to download a free one, such as the ones that were previously mentioned.

You might also be able to use a file converter to change the file’s format into a file type that your computer is familiar with.

Compressed File

You’ve likely run into these files before. When they arrive, they come with an icon of a file folder with the side completely zipped up. 

As their name would imply, compressed files are used to scale down an attachment that comes in many different files so that it can be sent much faster. 

To fix this problem, you need a zip file extractor. Be sure to download one for your computer to use. From that day on, you’ll be able to open them up at your will!

Antivirus Programs Are Blocking It

If your computer’s firewall or antivirus software detects even a hint of suspicious elements to the file you’re trying to open, they’ll block it.

The easiest way to solve this is by disabling the software long enough for you to disable the file. Simply access it from your internet browser and temporarily disable it. Download the email attachment that you wish, then re-activate the antivirus software.

The software’s job is to block any foreign attachments. Sometimes it views email attachments—whether from a trusted source or not—as a potential risk.

The File Is Corrupt

There’s the potential that the email attachment you’re trying to download is corrupted, which will make it impossible to open. 

This is often due to a software bug or glitch, most likely on the sender’s side. Let the sender know that your file is unable to be opened so that they can either try to send it again or correct the file.

It could’ve been something unforeseen on the sender’s end such as a sudden power outage, updating errors, their system crashed as they went to send the file. etc. 

Correct Your Email Attachment Issues With These Tips

Now that you have seen several ways to troubleshoot the email attachment issues that you’re facing, be sure to try them all out.

Be sure to read this article to learn more about the 10 common Microsoft Word functions that you should know.

Start troubleshooting your attachment downloading problem by trying to convert the file. If your email attachment issues continue, then be sure to reach out to an IT specialist to learn more.

In the ever-changing landscape of our online world, one tested service seems to be holding true despite its age: the humble email. These days, we continue to send over 280 billion emails each day, or about 38 emails per person.

Because they’re so widely trusted, however, emails and their attachments have become prone to malicious threats from online strangers. Sometimes, it’s hard to know which messages can be trusted and which should be tossed.

If you’re not up-to-date on the best practices for email attachments, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should know to keep your computer safe, to follow proper etiquette, and to get around those pesky attachment size limits.

Email Attachment Safety

First things first: email attachments can open you up to potential malware, phishing attacks, and other safety issues. As with everything else you do online, especially when you’re connecting with strangers, you should always be careful about who you trust.

There are several common types of dangerous attachments to keep an eye out for. All of these can be fine in certain contexts, but you’ll want to treat them with an abundance of caution if you don’t know much about their source. Note that this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it should cover the most frequent threats you’ll run into.

Executable Files

First are EXE files, also known as executable files. These are files that can carry out commands or perform unwanted actions on your computer—if you click them.

Of course, it’s worth noting that they can also be legitimate when they’re coming from a trusted source. However, if they’re coming from a stranger in an unsolicited email, mark the email as junk to avoid potential malware.

Installers

Installers under the MSI file format can install programs in Windows, and the same is true of DMG files on a Mac. If you’ve requested a program from someone, this isn’t a big deal—but if you’ve found one in your inbox from a stranger, you’ll want to delete the file.

Office Documents and Compressed Files

We can practically hear you crying out, “Is nothing safe anymore?” Unfortunately, it’s true: around 48% of malicious email attachments are Office files.

The vast majority of these files are safe, especially when they’re coming from a trusted source, as noted above. However, it’s worth noting that even common and reliable file types like Word documents and compressed files can be used to disguise malware. Unless you know the files have been sent for a legitimate reason, and you know what to expect from opening them, don’t trust the attachments.

Email Attachment Etiquette

Given the safety considerations above, a great deal of the best practices for email attachment etiquette revolve around helping people understand that you are a trusted source.

Always Ask First

Just as you should never open an email attachment that someone sends you out of the blue, it’s just as true that you should never expect someone else to open one when you’ve sent the email.

As a result, you should never send an attachment unannounced. Instead, it’s both professional and courteous to ask the person in question about the best time to send the file. If it’s a large file, make sure to also ask them about their system setup or storage limitations.

This tip can be a challenge in certain jobs, such as marketers who need to send cold emails. However, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a prospect beforehand rather than raising their suspicions, which can lead to them tossing your email into their trash folder!

Explain What the Attachment Contains

As a common courtesy, you should make sure to explain, usually in the body of your email, what the attachment contains. This is true even if you’ve mentioned it to them in the step above.

Reminding them that you’re sharing a presentation, or that you want their opinion on the attached video, can help them set expectations about what they’re opening. It also reassures them that there will be no nasty surprises from the file.

Images Are Often Fine

Because images are so pervasive in emails these days, image attachments tend to be the exception to the rules above. Sending over images in JPEG, GIF, or PNG files won’t look amiss, provided it’s not a huge file—but more on that below.

Email Attachment Size

Here’s where things can get even trickier: you’ll have to consider the email size limits of your email provider to ensure the message is deliverable.

Gmail, one of the most common email providers worldwide, has a max attachment size of 25 MB. Alternatives have similar limits: Outlook has a 20 MB cap, and AOL is at 25 MB as well.

To get around these limits, you may need to play with different attachment formats to get your file across. Images in JPEG format may be smaller than those in PNG format, for example, and spreadsheets converted into a CSV file can often be smaller than XLSX files.

For larger files, you may need additional help. Try uploading your file to a cloud service and sharing the link, for example, or compress your files before sending them for a smaller attachment. In the worst-case scenario, you can always break multiple files into chunks to send in multiple emails!

Make the Most of Your Email Attachments

From protecting yourself from threats to sending messages safely, it’s important to know how to make the most of your email attachments. Of course, when managing those file types gets tricky, don’t forget to trust a reputable file conversion service to help! Offdrive offers free conversions whenever you need them, so learn how to convert the most common file types and get started today.

Need to share data with someone who doesn’t have Excel or a spreadsheet app?

CSV files are an excellent option if you want to save and distribute data without the need for complex software. You can create a CSV file using a simple text editor yet it can hold large amounts of information.

This article asks what is a CSV file and gives advice on how to create them.

Discover how to save to the comma-separated format from within Microsoft Excel. Learn the difference between the CSV and XLSX format. Then find out how to convert your CSV files into formats like PDF.

Read on to explore everything worth knowing about CSV files and CSV conversion.

What Is a CSV File?

A CSV or Comma Separated Values file contains a list of data that opens like a traditional spreadsheet.

Its history goes back to 1972 when IBM needed to store records of data in an easy way. The company did this by separating rows of information with a new line. Each field or column was separated by a comma, hence the name.

Another term for CSV is a Character Separated Values file or a Comma Delimited file.

However, the comma symbol isn’t the only way to tell the computer where one field stops and the next starts. Most spreadsheet apps like Excel let you choose this delimiter. For example:

• | pipe symbol
• ; semi-colon 
• ~ tilde symbol

As long as the program knows what the delimiter is it can open a CSV file with ease.

CSV File Uses

Traditionally, CSV files were used to transport information between two systems.

Even today, many e-commerce websites allow admin users to upload CSV product lists into their store. The system parses or chops the data into rows and columns then copies the information into the main database.

Shopify’s import procedure makes this process easy for online store owners.

After backing-up your data, go to the Import screen and hit ‘Browse…’. Choose your CSV file that’s formatted to match their system and wait for it to upload. Shopify will then email you to let you know if the import was successful.

What Is the Difference Between CSV and Spreadsheets?

Opening a CSV file in Excel or Google Sheets displays the content in a spreadsheet format.

It’s easy to read the content in this way instead of viewing it through a text editor. However, a CSV file isn’t the same as a spreadsheet.

The main difference lies with how it’s saved.

An Excel (.xlsx) formatted file retains colors, formulas, tabs, and all the bells and whistles of a spreadsheet. Everything re-appears when you open the document.

Although you can format and edit a CSV file, once it’s saved all those changes are lost. It’s a basic text file, after all.

Why the Need for CSV Files?

Why not just save a CSV file as a spreadsheet? What’s the point in losing all your hard work?

The main thrust behind the format is being able to share it on any platform, operating system, and device.

Excel spreadsheets only open in applications that support the format. CSV files open on every computer, phone, or tablet.

They’re designed to transport information, not keep track of expenses or calculate your home budget. Therefore, use a spreadsheet for this type of activity or choose CSV to send or upload data, no strings attached.

How to Create a CSV File in Excel

First, open the Excel app on your computer. Unfortunately, the process below won’t work for Microsoft 365 users.

Create a brand new spreadsheet and navigate to cell A1 i.e. the top-left cell.

The top row is usually held as a ‘header row’. Each cell along row #1 contains each of the field names that you want to save. For example, Name then City then Phone Number.

Once you’ve added your field names it’s time to insert some data.

Click on cell A2 and enter your name. Move to B2 and enter your city or town. C2 is for your phone number.

Try adding several rows. The information doesn’t have to be real. In fact, make the process fun by inserting your favorite movie stars. Or Muppets like Miss Piggy, Fozzy, or Kermit!

Export as CSV

To export the information in a comma-separated format go to File then Save As. Click the Save As Type dropdown and choose the CSV (Comma Delimited) option.

Give the file a name, select the destination directory like Documents, then click the Save button.

That’s it! The CSV file will save to your drive. You can open it using a text editor to see how the formatting works.

One final tip is that you can also create a CSV file using a text editor like Notepad. The process is a bit tricky if you have multiple rows but it’s possible.

How to Convert CSV Files

CSV files are extremely versatile because they’re basically raw data. That makes them easy to convert into various formats like PDF, HTML, and ODF.

CSV to PDF

Portable Document Format or PDFs retain their formatting no matter the app that opens them. CSV data displays in a table view, similar to a spreadsheet.

Offdrive lets you convert your CSV file to PDF through our free online tool.

Upload the document, check the box, then hit Convert. Seconds later and your PDF will be processed and ready to download.

CSV to HTML

CSV data tables work extremely well within a web page. HTML was designed with tabular data in mind so converting to that format makes perfect sense.

Use our free CSV to HTML conversion tool to do just that.

CSV to Opensource Document Sormat

The ODS spreadsheet format works in multiple applications, including Microsoft Excel. As it’s open-source, the format’s free to use and create CSV files with.

Offdrive comes to the rescue if you want to convert CSV into native ODS.

Our free ODS conversion tool works in exactly the same way as the others. Just upload, convert, then download.

Spreadsheet Conversion for Free at Offdrive

What is a CSV file? How do I create a CSV database? Can I convert my files to other formats?

This article has answered all these questions by giving a full overview of the comma-separated format. The no-nonsense system lets you save text and numbers in a way that’s readable by any device or platform.

But what if you need to format your CSV files as a PDF? Or save it as an Excel spreadsheet?

Offdrive lets you convert all your files through our free Spreadsheet Conversion tools.

We also let you transform CSV files in reverse. Convert Excel to CSV online and for free with Offdrive.