Creative files are big. A wedding shoot produces 50GB of RAW photos. A video project has dozens of multi-gigabyte files. Sending these to clients shouldn’t be the hard part of your job.
Here’s what actually works.
The Problem with Email and Cloud Storage
Email fails immediately. 25MB limits don’t work when single RAW files hit 50MB.
Cloud storage adds friction. Clients need accounts, folders get confusing, permissions cause “I can’t access it” emails.
Compression kills quality. Your retouched images shouldn’t arrive as crushed JPEGs.
What Creatives Actually Need
- Large file support: RAW photos, ProRes video, layered PSDs
- No compression: Files arrive exactly as exported
- Simple for clients: Click link, download files
- Professional presentation: Not a generic folder view
- Speed: Deliver while excitement is high
File Sharing Services vs. Gallery Platforms
Gallery platforms (Pixieset, ShootProof, Cloudspot):
- Built for photographers
- Client-facing galleries with branding
- Selection and proofing features
- Monthly fees per gallery
File sharing services (FileGrab, WeTransfer, Smash):
- Generic but simple
- No monthly gallery fees
- Works for any file type
- Faster to set up
Use gallery platforms for client-facing proofing. Use file sharing for deliveries, internal transfers, and collecting files.
Best Practices by Creative Type
Photographers
Client gallery delivery: Create a link, upload final edited JPEGs. Clients can browse thumbnails and download individually or as ZIP.
Sneak peeks during events: FileGrab’s link-first approach shines here. Share the link before the reception, upload photos during breaks. Clients can share with guests in real-time.
RAW file delivery: For clients who want RAW files, you need services that handle 50-100MB files. FileGrab Pro supports 2GB per file. SwissTransfer handles 50GB transfers.
Designers
Asset delivery: Package deliverables (source files, exports, fonts) in a single link. Clients download everything in one ZIP or pick what they need.
Feedback rounds: Enable collaboration so clients can upload reference materials or marked-up screenshots to the same link.
Version handoffs: Create separate links for each version. Label clearly: “v1_initial”, “v2_client_feedback”, “v3_final”.
Video Editors
Daily rushes: Upload in-progress cuts for client review. FileGrab shows video thumbnails and plays compatible formats in-browser.
Final delivery: Large files (10GB+) need services like Smash (unlimited size) or MASV (pay-per-GB). For files under 2GB, FileGrab Pro works.
B-roll and assets: When collecting footage from clients, collaborative links let them upload directly to your workspace.
FileGrab for Creative Workflows
FileGrab works differently than most services. The shareable link exists immediately, before you upload anything.
During a shoot: Text the client the link between sets. They can watch photos appear as you upload during breaks.
Collecting assets: Send the link to clients asking for logos, copy, or reference images. They upload directly instead of emailing you.
Iterative delivery: Start uploading while still exporting. Clients see the first files arrive while later ones are still processing.
Quick deliveries: Get link, drop files, paste link in email. Under 30 seconds.
File Formats and Compression
Never compress:
- Final deliverables
- Print-ready files
- Anything with color accuracy requirements
ZIP is fine for:
- Collections of small files
- Bundling related assets
- Reducing transfer count
Consider compression only for:
- Initial proofs (not finals)
- Internal review copies
- When specifically requested
FileGrab doesn’t compress or re-encode files. What you upload is what clients download.
Pricing for Creative Use
Most creatives don’t need unlimited storage. They need enough for active projects.
FileGrab Pro ($10/month):
- 10GB storage (rotates as projects complete)
- 2GB file uploads
- Forever links
- Good for most photo and design work
WeTransfer Pro ($15/month):
- 200GB per transfer
- No collaboration
- Good for occasional huge files
Smash Pro ($11/month):
- Unlimited file sizes
- Good for video editors with massive exports
Client Communication Tips
Set expectations: Tell clients when files will arrive and how to access them.
Provide instructions: “Click the link, then ‘Download All’ to get everything as a ZIP.”
Include a receipt: A PDF with what’s included, what formats, and usage rights.
Follow up: Confirm they successfully downloaded. Links expire.
The Bottom Line
For creative work, file sharing should be invisible. Upload, send link, done. Your energy goes into the work, not wrestling with delivery logistics.
Try FileGrab - Share the link before the shoot ends.