Understanding SendFiles Download Options: A Complete Guide

When sharing files through SendFiles, you have multiple download options to ensure the most efficient experience. Understanding these options and their limitations will help you and your recipients handle file transfers effectively.

Understanding the 1GB Limit for "Download All"

The "Download All" feature automatically zips and downloads folders under 1GB. This limitation exists for important technical reasons:

Aspect	Under 1GB	Over 1GB
Zip Process	Quick and reliable	Time-consuming, potential failures
System Load	Minimal impact	Heavy processing required
Recommended Method	"Download All" option	Individual downloads or pre-zip
User Experience	Seamless	Better with zipping the folder locally before sharing

Best Practices for Large Files

When working with folders larger than 1GB, you have two efficient options:

Option 1: Individual Downloads

For folders containing large files:

• Download each file individually through the browser
• Files download in the background simultaneously
• No size limitations per file
• Perfect for selective downloads

Option 2: Pre-zip Before Sharing

For efficient bulk sharing:

• Zip the folder on your computer first
• Share the single compressed file
• Recipients download one unified file
• Ideal for maintaining folder structure

Real-World Examples

Scenario 1: Mixed File Sizes

Folder contents:

• 5 files, 2GB each (total 10GB)
• Best approach: Download individually or share pre-zipped
• Each file downloads independently in the background

Scenario 2: Multiple Small Files

Folder contents:

• 100 files, total under 1GB
• Best approach: Use "Download All"
• One-click solution, single zip file

Future Improvements

We're exploring additional download options based on user feedback:

• Sequential background downloads for large folders
• Smart downloading based on file sizes
• Custom download queue management

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use "Download All" on a folder larger than 1GB?

We recommend against this as it may cause the application to become unstable due to the intensive zipping process required.

Can I download multiple large files simultaneously?

Yes, when downloading files individually, your browser will manage multiple downloads in the background.

What's the best way to share a folder with mixed file sizes?

If the total size exceeds 1GB, either pre-zip the folder or advise recipients to download files individually.

Is there a limit to individual file downloads?

No, individual files can be of any size when downloaded separately.

Have suggestions for improving our download options? We'd love to hear from you! Submit your feedback through our form, and help shape the future of SendFiles.