How to send a client a 5 GB file: four ways and their risks

Designers, lawyers, engineers and photographers hit “file too large” every day. Let’s look at where such files usually end up and why that can be a problem.

1. Messengers

Telegram accepts files up to 2 GB (4 GB with the paid plan), but the file stays in the chat forever — with the client, with every group member, with the employee who has since left. You can’t revoke it, you don’t know who downloaded it, and “which version is the latest” gets lost in the conversation.

2. Email

The attachment limit is 20–25 MB. That’s enough for a cost estimate, but not for a layout or a video. Plus, emails with large attachments are more likely to land in spam.

3. Foreign file-sharing services

WeTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox — convenient, but: the link lives for 7 days or forever, payment is in foreign currency, client files are stored abroad, and free versions show third-party ads on your link. For legal entities with data localization requirements, it’s not an option.

4. Your own storage with secure links

The file is uploaded to the company’s storage in a data center in Tashkent, and the client receives a link with a password, an expiry date and a download limit. The download page carries your logo and sits on your domain. A log shows who downloaded what and when; the link can be revoked. Clients can also upload files to you through a form — no registration required.

Comparison

How much it costs

A 100 GB sharing space costs 3 000 UZS per day, about 90 000 per month, with unlimited links and recipients. If the company already uses MCDrive, client links are included in the plan.