# How to send BLEND files

BLEND (Blender project file) files are often too big for email and chat apps. Here is how big they get and how to send them exactly as they are.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/send-blend-files · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large BLEND file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A scene with packed textures is about 500 MB, more than most email providers accept.

## What is a BLEND file?

A .blend file is a project from Blender, the free, open-source 3D suite used for modelling, animation, visual effects, games and product renders. It stores scenes, objects, materials, animation and settings.

Blend files get big with dense meshes and sculpts, and especially when textures and simulation caches are **packed** into the file. Unpacked projects keep textures, HDRIs and caches in separate folders, which must travel with the .blend.

Extensions: .blend.

## How big are BLEND files?

| File | Typical size |
| --- | --- |
| A simple product scene without packed textures | about 5 to 50 MB |
| A character scene with packed 4K textures | roughly 300 MB to 2 GB |
| A project folder with fluid or smoke simulation caches | roughly 5 to 50 GB or more |

## Which apps can send one?

Can you send a scene with packed textures (about 500 MB) as an attachment?

| App | Limit | Fits? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| **Share Large Video Files** | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |

Limits from our [file size limits by app](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/file-size-limits-by-app) table, checked against each service's help pages.

## How to send BLEND files without changing them

1. Open [Share Large Video Files](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/) in any browser and choose **Get a link** (or **Send by email**).
2. Drop BLEND files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
3. Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
4. Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.

## Tips for sending BLEND files

- Use File > External Data > Pack Resources to put textures inside the .blend, or zip the whole project folder.
- Tell the recipient which Blender version you used, as newer files may not open correctly in older versions.
- Leave out simulation caches if the recipient can re-bake them; they are often the largest part.
- Send render outputs separately from the project so they are easy to find.

## How to open a BLEND file

**Blender** (free) opens .blend files on **Windows, Mac and Linux**. Other 3D apps cannot read .blend directly, so export to FBX, OBJ, glTF or USD for them. Phones cannot open .blend files.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are textures pink when someone opens my .blend file?

Pink means Blender cannot find the image textures. Pack resources into the file or send the complete project folder.

### How do I make a .blend file smaller?

Unpack or remove unused textures, purge orphan data, and leave simulation caches out. Blender's "Compress" save option also helps.

### Can I open a .blend file in Maya or Cinema 4D?

Not directly. Export from Blender to FBX, OBJ, glTF or USD for other 3D apps.