There’s a better way to email large files.
Dropbox has added a new feature – “links” – to send files that are too large to email as attachments. It is especially helpful when sending lengthy exhibits and other files in litigation. You can forget about .zip files, flash drives, and compact discs. Of course, you should have already forgotten about printing and mailing documents, for the sake of the trees.
Here’s how you can use Dropbox links to send large files.
How to Email Large Files with Dropbox Links
You need to have a Dropbox account to send a link. Go here to create an account and download Dropbox onto your desktop computer. The recipient of the file does not need to have a Dropbox account, which is why the feature is so useful.
To email a large file, add the document to your Dropbox folder.
You can send large files:
Or entire folders:
Next, go to your desktop, right-click on the file you want to send and select “Get Link”:
Or, go to the Dropbox website, log-in and click on the link icon next to the file:
Open an email, copy the link into the message and send it to your client, witness, or opposing counsel.
When the recipient clicks on the link, the file will open in a secure web browser, allowing them to download it to their computer. Again, the recipient does not need a Dropbox account to click on the link or access the file, making this an incredible, fast solution for sending large documents online.
Rob Dean
Rob Dean is an attorney at Frith & Ellerman Law Firm, PC, in Roanoke, Virginia, where he concentrates his practice on employment law and long-term care litigation. For help using the iPad at work, email him at rdean@frithlawfirm.com.
3 Responses to Use Dropbox Links to Email Large Files
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Hey Rob, if you like that, you should check out ShareFile (full disclosure: I’m an employee). ShareFile does everything you describe above, but it’s built with businesses in mind so it has many security and tracking features that dropbox lacks. You can also customize your account so that when clients access files they see your logo and branding, creating a more professional experience. We also have mobile apps (including for iPads) to let you access files from anywhere, on any device. You learn more at our site, http://www.sharefile.com/
Hmm. I downloaded DROPBOX, installed it, placed some Mp3 files into the DROPBOX folder..let them sync, then I RIGHT CLICKED on the file as instructed; HOWEVER.. I DO NOT see “GET LINK” anywhere, I see a dropdown menu, I hover my mouse over the word DROPBOX, there’s no “GET LINK” there at all, it just says COPY PUBLIC LINK. Sooo, why am I not seeing “GET LINK there? When I open the DROPBOX folder on my desktop, I don’t see a “GET LINK” there either. What am I doing wrong? Just wondering
Ron – I’m not sure what the issue might be on your computer, but “copy public link” is functionally the same as “get link” if you paste that link into a browser. You can also go to http://www.dropbox.com, log-in, highlight the file that you want to share, and double-check that the link icon appears next to your file. Good luck.