There is a limit to the size of file you can send as an email attachment. The exact limit varies with how you send as well as the configuration of the receiver's mail server. Don't expect files much over 5 to 10 MB to arrive intact as email attachments. One way to work around this is to upload the large file, then just email a short URL to the recipient to allow them to download it.

If you have a website, you can post the file there, but if you don't want the file to be made public, there are other solutions. Create a zip archive and password protect it, then email the link and password (separately, if you are really cautious) to the recipient. It is also possible to password-protect a section of your website.

UofT offers an automated way to upload large files up to 1 GB, and email recipients a download link at send.utoronto.ca Log in with your UTORid and password. Non-UofT users can also upload files to send to UofT users. Uploads are held for 14 days.

Another option is to upload the file to a third-party website dedicated to this function. Many of these have a free level of service with a moderate limit on filesize and number of recipients; then they offer paid upgrades to allow larger files, longer retention and more addressees. The basic operation is that you join, then use your login to upload a file. You tell the service what email address(es) you want to notify of the upload, and the service either emails the URL to them, or shows you a URL that you can email them directly. The link is private, so only those who receive the special URL can find and download the file.

One site offering this service is YouSendIt.com