Tutorial/3 MINUTES READ
How to Send a Big PDF Over Gmail
October 20, 2025

Gmail attachment size limit (and a faster way to send large files)
Gmail has an attachment size limit, so large files get blocked or converted into Drive links. The faster path is to upload your file to Send and share a single tracked link. Your recipient opens it instantly, can ask questions via AI, and you keep full control.
When this is useful
- You need to send a big PDF, video, PowerPoint, or design file and Gmail blocks it.
- You want to see who viewed your file, for how long, and which pages mattered.
- You want recipients to get answers quickly without hunting through long docs.
Step-by-step
- Confirm the roadblock in Gmail
- Upload your file to Send
- Add Suggested Questions to steer attention
- Configure access and controls
- Share one simple link
- Track engagement and iterate
- Replace the file later without changing the link
Why this is faster with Send
- AI Chat and Suggested Questions get recipients to answers instantly, so they do not bounce on size issues or long docs.
- You see what mattered: viewer info, location, device, time viewed, and PDF page-level time.
- One link replaces attachments. You can update the content without resending anything.
What good looks like (QA checklist)
- The file opens instantly for the recipient, no downloads required.
- Suggested Questions include pricing, what’s included, timeline, and next steps.
- Download and print are disabled for sensitive docs.
- Viewer gate is on when you need name and email.
- Webhooks push views into your CRM or alerts tool.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Recipient cannot view? Check gate settings or disable download/print only, not viewing.
- Too many assets? Start with one doc and let AI answer deeper questions. Use AI Profiles to surface links like case studies or a calendar when asked.
- Need to identify known people without a form? Use a personalized link with a custom URL slug.
Integrations & automation (webhooks)
- Turn on webhooks for document open or any link open. Pipe events into Clay, Zapier, or Make to update your CRM, create contacts, or trigger alerts.
Privacy/controls
- Require name, email, or phone before viewing.
- Disable printing and downloading when needed.
- Replace files under the same link to keep control without resending.
CTA
- Start free at send.co or add your first doc with the Chrome extension. Upload a PDF and track who reads it.
FAQ
- How does Send speed up sales cycles?
- Can I replace a file without changing the link?
- What analytics do I get, and for PDFs specifically?