PDF too large to email? Four ways to send it

Updated 14 October 2026 · DeevitHub PDF

Gmail allows attachments up to 25 MB and Outlook usually stops at 20 MB. If your PDF is bigger, compress it first; most files drop well below the limit in seconds.

1. Compress the PDF

Large PDFs are nearly always large because of scanned pages or photos. Open Compress PDF, keep the Smart level and press Compress. The pictures are made smaller and the text stays sharp. If you need a fixed size, pick a target such as under 1 MB.

2. Split it into parts

If the file is still too big, use Split PDF to cut it into parts of the same length, and send them in two or three emails. Name the parts “1 of 3”, “2 of 3” and so on so the reader keeps them in order.

3. Remove pages nobody needs

Blank pages from a scanner, duplicate copies and cover sheets add size for nothing. Organize PDF shows every page as a thumbnail, so you can delete them in a few clicks.

4. Share a link instead

For very large files, upload the PDF to a cloud drive you already use and send the link. Gmail does this automatically with Google Drive when an attachment is over 25 MB. Make sure the link’s sharing setting lets the receiver open it.

Which one should I use?

Try compression first: it keeps everything in one file and the receiver does not have to do anything. Split only when compression is not enough, and use a link when the document must stay at full quality, such as print-ready artwork.

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