Top 10 Largest Files Commonly Transferred Between Clients (and How to Send Them Smoothly)

Why “the largest files” matter in client work

Email attachments fail fast once a project becomes real: multiple deliverables, revisions, and source files. The biggest files aren’t just inconvenient-they’re the ones most likely to cause version confusion, missing assets, corrupted zips, and last-minute delivery stress.

Below are ten of the largest file types (and file bundles) that are most commonly transferred between creatives and clients, plus concrete tips to deliver each reliably.

1) High-resolution video masters (final exports)

Final video deliverables-especially high-bitrate exports-are often the single largest files clients receive. Even short videos can balloon in size depending on codec, bitrate, frame rate, and audio configuration.

1. Deliver smart: Send two versions: a client viewing file (smaller) and a master file (largest) so stakeholders can review quickly without downloading the heaviest asset.
2. Label clearly: Use names like ProjectName_Final_Master and ProjectName_Final_Review to avoid “Which one is the real final?”

If you want the simplest route, you can send a file free as a link instead of wrestling with attachment limits.

2) Multi-cam footage / dailies

Raw or lightly processed camera footage from multi-cam shoots stacks up quickly: multiple angles, long takes, high resolution, and high data rate. Clients may request dailies for approval, archiving, or handoff to another editor.

1. Deliver smart: Separate by shooting day and camera (e.g., Day01_A-Cam, Day01_B-Cam) to keep downloads manageable.
2. Include a manifest: A simple text file listing what’s inside each folder helps clients confirm they received everything.

3) Full project folders (NLE sessions + cache/proxies as needed)

When a client or collaborator needs to reopen a timeline, they often need the project file plus associated assets (media, audio, graphics, and sometimes proxies). This becomes huge when cache or proxy files are included.

1. Deliver smart: Send the project folder with a strict structure: Project, Media, Audio, Graphics, Exports, Docs.
2. Reduce size safely: Exclude render cache unless the recipient specifically needs it; include proxies only when necessary for playback.

For more on keeping folders tidy (without creating chaos), link back to: How to Send Large Project Folders (Without Zipping Everything Into a Mess).

4) Large RAW photo selections (shoots, catalogs, and selects)

RAW photos are heavy, and clients often want full sets for archival or future use. Even “selects only” can be massive when each image is tens of megabytes.

1. Deliver smart: Split by scene, set, or look. Clients think in concepts, not file counts.
2. Include a contact sheet: A PDF or small JPEG overview lets clients review without opening huge RAW files.

5) Layered design source files (PSB/PSD, AI, INDD) with linked assets

The source file isn’t the whole story-linked images, fonts, and placed files often make the real package far larger than the main document.

1. Deliver smart: Package the job intentionally: include Source, Links, Fonts (if licensed/allowed), and Exports.
2. Prevent missing links: Before sending, relink assets and run your app’s “package” or “collect” workflow where available.

If you’re unsure what a recipient can access, point them to read the FAQs for common download and access questions.

6) High-resolution print-ready PDFs (with embedded fonts and images)

Print PDFs can grow quickly when they include high-DPI imagery, multiple pages, spot colors, and embedded fonts. Agencies and printers may ask for the “press-ready” version, which is often much heavier than a web PDF.

1. Deliver smart: Provide both: Web proof (lighter) and Press (heavier), clearly named.
2. Quality check: Export settings matter; avoid last-minute re-exports by verifying specs before you send.

7) Motion graphics and VFX deliverables (image sequences, EXR/DPX, renders)

Image sequences are deceptively large because they’re thousands of files. Formats used for grading and compositing can be enormous, and clients may need them for finishing, archival, or future revisions.

1. Deliver smart: Keep sequences in a single clearly named folder, and include frame range in the folder name (e.g., Shot_020_1001-1120).
2. Avoid confusion: Include a small reference video alongside the sequence so recipients can quickly confirm content.

8) 3D project files and scene packages (models, textures, simulations)

3D deliveries can include project files, caches, baked simulations, high-res textures, HDRIs, and multiple export formats (FBX/OBJ/GLB). Textures and caches are often the real size drivers.

1. Deliver smart: Provide a ReadMe with software version, units, and what’s included (textures location, render settings, missing plugins).
2. Keep it portable: Use relative paths where possible so the scene opens cleanly on another machine.

9) Architecture and CAD/BIM packages (DWG, RVT, point clouds, sheets)

CAD and BIM work often moves as complete packages: model files, linked references, sheet sets, and exports. Point clouds and high-detail models can become exceptionally large and sensitive to missing linked files.

1. Deliver smart: Include all references and a simple “open this first” note for the primary model file.
2. Split deliverables: If a client only needs sheets or a viewer-friendly export, send those separately from the full model package.

For smoother handoffs, you can see all features that help keep transfers straightforward for clients.

10) Audio production sessions (multitrack, stems, sample libraries)

Music and audio projects can be huge: multitrack recordings, high sample rates, multiple takes, and consolidated stems. Sometimes clients also need session files and plugin notes to reopen the project.

1. Deliver smart: Send Stems and Mixes as a first-class folder so clients can use the audio without opening the session.
2. Make sessions reopenable: Consolidate audio, include tempo/key notes, and add a text file listing plugins and versions.

Practical tips for sending big client files without drama

Use predictable naming and folder structure

Clients care about clarity more than cleverness. A consistent structure reduces support emails and prevents accidental use of outdated versions.

Separate “review” from “source”

Send lightweight review files for feedback and heavy source/master files for final delivery or archival. This keeps approvals moving while still delivering what’s needed.

Use expiring links when the work is time-sensitive

If a link should only be usable for a limited approval window, use expiration to reduce long-term exposure and keep old versions from resurfacing later.

Make it easy for the client to succeed

If your client isn’t technical, include a one-paragraph “How to download” note. And if they need help, you can point them to visit the Help Center.

Send large files the simple way

If you’re frequently delivering any of the file types above, switching from attachments to share links saves time and prevents failed sends. You can create a free account in minutes, or compare Free and Pro if you’re sending large deliverables every week.