# How to send FLAC files

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) 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-flac-files · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large FLAC file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A CD-quality FLAC album is about 300 MB, more than most email providers accept.

## What is a FLAC file?

FLAC is a lossless compressed audio format. It keeps every detail of the original recording, like WAV, but typically takes around half to two thirds of the space. Music collectors, hi-res download stores and musicians sharing masters use it.

FLAC is still much larger than MP3 or AAC because nothing is thrown away. Hi-res FLAC (24-bit at 96 or 192 kHz) is several times bigger than CD-quality FLAC, so a single album can pass 1 GB.

Extensions: .flac.

## How big are FLAC files?

| File | Typical size |
| --- | --- |
| A 4-minute song at CD quality | roughly 20 to 35 MB |
| A CD-quality album | roughly 250 to 400 MB |
| A 24-bit 96 kHz album | roughly 1 to 2 GB |
| A 24-bit 192 kHz album | roughly 2 to 4 GB |

## Which apps can send one?

Can you send a CD-quality FLAC album (about 300 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 FLAC 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 FLAC 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 FLAC files

- Keep the album folder with its cover art and any cue or log files.
- Do not convert FLAC to MP3 and then back; the loss cannot be undone.
- For Apple Music users, mention ALAC as the lossless alternative that iTunes and Music accept.
- Zip the album so track order and folder names stay tidy.

## How to open a FLAC file

**Windows 10 and 11:** Media Player plays FLAC. **Mac:** recent versions of QuickTime play FLAC, and VLC or foobar2000 are good options. **iPhone:** the Files app plays FLAC. **Android:** most music players support it. Apple Music does not import FLAC.

**On our download page:** a FLAC plays in the browser with a waveform, and the listener can leave comments at an exact time, which suits mix and voice-over reviews. The download is the original file.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is FLAC the same quality as WAV?

Yes. FLAC is lossless, so it decodes to exactly the same audio as the WAV it came from, in less space.

### Can I play FLAC on an iPhone?

Yes, in the Files app and in third-party players such as VLC. The Apple Music app will not import FLAC.

### Will zipping FLAC files make them smaller?

Barely. FLAC is already compressed. Zip only to bundle an album into a single download.