Sending large files has always been a hassle – just ask anyone who worked on the production end of publishing or in video or sound production in years past. If you weren’t transferring materials via hardware like a disk or external hard drive, it was easy to run into problems, and in fact, it still is.
Still, new tools have made it a lot easier to share large files between users, which is good news since so many more people are doing independent creative work that generates big files of many kinds.
What’s the best way to transfer all these newly created files? That depends, but at least there are a variety of good options now. Here are 3 you might consider.
Just Drop It
If you’re an Apple device user who has taken lengthy videos on your phone or even done some creative work with programs like GarageBand, which now comes standard on iPhones, one handy option you have for sharing large files is the AirDrop feature.
AirDrop works between all types of Apple devices and manages large files surprisingly well. The only issue with the tool is that it requires proximity. You can typically only AirDrop things to people in the same building or small area as you, depending on whether you’re sharing an internet connection.
Centralize Things
While a tool like AirDrop is certainly convenient if you’re working alongside someone you need to share files with, that’s rarely the case, especially these days. That’s why it can be so helpful to have a central location where large files can be stored and through which they can be accessed or downloaded – and it turns out that many companies offer such systems.
One of the best options for those who need to send large files fast, though, is Box, a longtime cloud storage provider that has since branched into additional services. Whether you’re dealing with an MP4, PSD, INDD, or some other file type, Box can centralize these and assign files unique links so that others can access them as needed based on specific permission settings, and best of all, it will ensure they’re securely backed up.
Try A Classic Protocol
When you’re managing a business remotely, you inevitably rely on a variety of tools to ensure things are running smoothly. So, while there are newer options on the market, sometimes it can be smart to hang on to an old standby, especially if you’re in the process of adopting other new technology. That means, when it comes to large file transfers, you might choose to stick with an FTP platform, especially if you only transfer files occasionally. FTPs can be cumbersome, but they get the job done and can handle basically any file type. They’re not many people’s first choice today, but they’re a fine option for some businesses.
Transferring large files can be a hassle, but new tools have made the process significantly easier than it was even a few years ago. By choosing your file transfer tools strategically, you can make things easier for your staff, keep tasks moving smoothly, and ensure everyone has access to the information they need to do their jobs.