From your Mac
File too large for Gmail? Send it another way.
Personal Gmail accounts can attach up to 25 MB. A short phone video is often bigger than that. Here's what to do instead.
Why it happens
Gmail’s attachment limit for personal accounts is 25 MB. On a work or school account, your admin sets the limit. Zipping rarely helps with videos and photos, because they’re already compressed. More in Gmail attachment size limit.
Option 1: let Gmail use a Drive link
Attach the file anyway. If it’s over the limit, Gmail removes the attachment and puts a Google Drive link in the email. Check the link’s sharing settings so the person you’re sending to can open it. The file also counts toward your Google storage.
Option 2: Mail Drop in Apple Mail
Mail on your Mac can send attachments up to 5 GB through iCloud. Turn it on in Mail > Settings > Accounts > Account Information > “Send large attachments with Mail Drop.” You need to be signed in to your Apple Account. The file stays available to download for 30 days. If it won’t send, see Mail Drop not working on your Mac?
Option 3: iMessage
If the person uses iMessage, drag the file into a conversation in Messages and press Return. For a video to your mom, this is usually the easiest way.
Option 4: AirDrop
If they’re in the room, AirDrop sends the file straight to their Mac or iPhone, with no email limit involved. In Finder, select the file, click Share, then choose AirDrop.
Let Sendoff pick the route
Sendoff is a Mac app that lives in the notch. It checks the size before you send. Drop a 48 MB video for someone you usually email, and if you also reach them by iMessage, it sends it by iMessage instead, with a note saying why. Drop the file, pick the person, press Send off.
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