Design your way

Modern technology means that computing devices can easily process large files, like Photoshop, Illustrator or After Effects files. However, it can still be difficult to share such large, ungainly files with others.

The two ways that most people use to share big files are email and web hosting accounts. Both these options have disadvantages. Email accounts generally have a restriction on the size of e mail attachments and few allow big attachments.

Today many people work online and need to share files with clients or colleagues. Sharing files using email attachments is still popular, but, as previously mentioned there are limitations on the size of email attachments.

Also sharing files in this manner does not fit the collaborative way people work now because it does not allow several people to work on the same file simultaneously.

Cloud based file sharing tools solve the difficulties with mail attachments or web hosting accounts. They offer storage and also allow you to track file transfers and maintain file security.

Cloud based file sharing tools also spare you expense, for you do not need to establish and maintain a home server. These tools allow you to upload files easily, share them with others, access them from your phone, laptop, tablet or any other suitable device from anywhere.

The following file sharing sites will surely be of use to you if you have to send your colleagues or clients project files.

Dropmark

Dropmark’s service allows its users to collaborate and share files in the Cloud. You use a simple drag and drop icon on your desktop to automatically upload your files to the Cloud and once you have done so, you invite those with whom you wish to share the files, enabling them to view and work together with you on those files.

You can also organize files into collections using short links which you can also share. Collections can all be viewed as full screen presentations, mixed images, websites etc. Using the drag and drop tool, you can use audio or video content, for example, from YouTube, Sound Cloud or from your own desktop to make personalized playlists or podcasts.

Users of Mac devices will be interested in the Dropmark for Mac application which allows them to drag and drop directly to their Mac menu bars and upload files directly into their accounts.

Box

The Box service gives members simple, safe, file sharing from wherever you happen to be. It securely holds your content, and keeps it synchronized with that of the others with access to the file or folder.

Box’s personal plan gives 10 gigabytes of personal storage and a 250 megabyte upload allowance. The service allows you to share photographs, presentations or links. Those you designate as having access can view the files within their internet browsers.

Box also gives everyone, with authorized access, real time updates and email notifications, notifying everyone, when someone comments, uploads or downloads files. Box’s native applications allow you to view and share files, using any device.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a hugely popular cloud storage and file sharing service. This service allows you to easily synchronize your files across your computing devices.

Once you set up shared files and folders, add your chosen colleagues, friends, or customers to that folder, if they are Dropbox members, their own Dropbox accounts will contain the folder, and any member listed as authorized for the folder can add, edit or delete the files within that folder.

However, Dropbox files are not confined to Dropbox members. By making a link to a specific file or folder, you give people who are not members of Dropbox access to the folder or file.

Then users can use their internet browsers to access the folder or file’s contents. Once Dropbox is installed on your desktop, you can just add files to your Dropbox folder, and those files will be automatically synchronized to your Dropbox account, allowing you to access files remotely from anywhere.

Onehub

Onehub gives users safe file storage, organization and the ability to share their files in the Cloud. By dragging and dropping files straight into their browsers, users can share multiple files, use a FTP gateway, or use the Onehub synchronization for OSX. Onehub easily allows you to remain organized.

Onehub is integrated with Google Drive, so you can both create and edit any Google files from Onehub and you can at the same time collaborate on that document with invitees.

Hightail

Hightail is a service giving users an online file sharing and storage facility. However, its file sending limit is 2 gigabyte which will suit many people, but could be inconvenient for those wishing to share larger files.

Hightail allows you to share folders with others and you and your group can edit and update those files. You can access your files from anywhere using the mobile and desktop applications that Hightail provides.

Those to whom security is very important might want to note that Hightail also provides excellent security, having great password protection, identity protection, file tracking, 128 bit encryption during transit, and 256 bit AES encryption when at rest.

You can also access your files and update them using mobile sharing and your data is encrypted going both to and from your mobile or tablet and you can digitally sign your documents from whatever device you happen to be using at the time.

Droplr

Droplr is a very quick and easy way to send files. It is very easy to use because there are no folders or synchronizing. You simply select the file that you wish to send and the service gives you a short and secure link to that particular file. The 2 gigabyte sharing limit may preclude those wishing to send very large files from using this service.

However, its unlimited storage, custom branding, domain URLs and the ability it gives to embed images and files in forums, blogs or websites will attract many users. Droplr’s handy team management feature allows users to easily add or delete users as the needs arises enabling the easy management of projects and teams.

SendThisFile

SendThisFile enables users to send large files protected by encryption, includes tracking history and gives them control over file sharing.

Once you have uploaded your file, the service automatically sends an email to your designated recipients, notifying them that it is available. SendThisFile accounts come with a FireBox account, which receives the files, and which you can easily integrate into your website and customize in line with your branding.

Users can also check and audit activity logs, export their file transfer history and receive e mail notification that recipients have successfully downloaded a particular file, thus enabling quick and easy management of projects.

SugarSync

Another Cloud storage and file sharing site which allows users to browse through, access synchronize and back up files online. Users can easily share large files or folders.

They share public links to files, work collaboratively on shared files or folders, update the content of those folders in real time so that all invitees see the same thing at the same time and control who has access to those files at any one time.

Sharing files is simple one just makes a public link for a file or folder and share it with nominated people. On clicking on the link, the recipient can download the content without registering at SugarSync.

The folders Permissions feature means that you can share a folder as ‘read only’ and recipients can see the files but not alter them.

Minus

Minus provides an easy drag and drop file uploading service without any need to register. It has a file size limit of 2 gigabyte which would suit most users, except those needing to upload very big files.

However, there is a thirty day time limit on guest uploads, which expire after that time. Whereas if you register for an account your files are stored indefinitely and do not expire. Registration also gives you personalized domains and 50 gigabytes free storage space.

Uploading files is exceedingly easy. Users simply drag the required file to the canvas. The file is then automatically uploaded and they are given a short link enabling them to share the file.

You can also add effects to your file using the aviary option as well as description. You can share files on social media or by email. iOS and Android applications allow you to manage your account and upload remotely using your mobile telephone, tablet or other portable device, from anywhere.

Google Drive

You can use Google Drive to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. You can also share files and folders with others. Users can choose which people can view, edit or comment on the file.

People can work collaboratively on documents and all can see the changes that anyone makes immediately they are made. Google Drive allows users to open 30+ file types in their browsers, even if the particular program is not installed on their computers.

Google Drive tracks each change made, each time the document is changed and save a new revision is created. Users can look back for thirty days automatically or choose a revision to save for the final file version.

TransferBigFiles

As TransferBigFiles’ name suggests, it is an easy way to transfer and receive files too large to send as e mail attachments. It does have a 20 gigabyte transfer limit, which will cover most users’ needs.

Transferring files is quite simple, users simply add their files or folders to the icon and they will immediately upload to the service’s secure server, creating a new transfer page. Users then add the desired file recipients and a custom message and you can also opt to receive notifications, when each recipient downloads the file.

TransferBigFiles also has password protections and a facility for users to opt to allow those receiving files to share them on their own volition. If you are using TransferBigFiles for work or business, you can personalise the download page inline with your company or business branding.

Dropcanvas

With its simple drag and drop interface, Dropcanvas allows users to easily upload files and generate short links to share with others. You do not have to register to use the service, unless you want to save your storage links.

This is a really simple to use file sharing service, users simply drag and drop the required file onto the canvas, which provides them with a link to enable them to share the file. Users can also easily share files on social networking sites using the handy share button within the interface.

WeTransfer

This is a simple trouble-free transferring service, allowing you to transfer up to 2 gigabytes at a time simply and securely. Users just click the Add Files and type in the recipient’s e mail address plus their own e mail address and click the transfer icon. There is also a share button enabling quick, easy sharing via social networking sites.

User and recipient will both receive confirmation e mails, which contain a link allowing both people to view and download the files.

WeTransfer’s Plus account gives users the ability to transfer much larger files, up to 10 megabytes. It also allows people to use custom backgrounds for your work.

CloudApp

This is a Mac OS X application, it gives users a fast means of sending screenshots, documents, audio, video, snippets of code, ZIP files, bookmarks etc. Users with free accounts can upload 10 25 megabyte files each day.

Users with the paid Pro account have no daily limit and can upload files up to 250 megabyte in size, and customize their files inline with company or business branding. The application is available from the Mac App Store site.

Users simply drag the files they wish to share onto the cloud icon on the computer’s menu bar. They then receive a specific URL to enable file sharing. Users of CloudApp can track how many views and downloads the file receives.

OneDrive

OneDrive is a Microsoft service allowing users to store, synchronize and collaborate easily on files, whether they are documents, videos or documents. Users can also synchronize their files with their documents so that they can access their files without being on the internet.

OneDrive is configured to integrate with Microsoft Office seamless collaboration and file sharing between those working on a particular project.

Users can share entire folders, for example photograph albums without allowing access to anything else. They simply send an email containing a link to the content that they wish to share, any other content on their OneDrive remains inaccessible and private.