Quick answer: To send a large BRAW file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A 1-minute 6K BRAW clip at 12:1 is about 4.4 GB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a BRAW file?
Blackmagic RAW is the raw video format recorded by Blackmagic Design cameras such as the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and 6K, the URSA range and the Cinema Camera 6K. It keeps sensor data so that ISO, white balance and exposure can be adjusted later in DaVinci Resolve.
BRAW is recorded either at a constant bitrate (ratios from 3:1 to 18:1) or at a constant quality setting (Q0 to Q5). At high resolutions and low compression ratios it produces several GB per minute, which adds up quickly over a shoot day.
Extensions: .braw.
How big are BRAW files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| 1 minute of 4K at a light compression ratio (12:1) | roughly 2 GB |
| 1 minute of 6K at a heavy quality setting (3:1) | roughly 15 to 20 GB |
| 1 minute of 6K at 12:1 | roughly 4 to 5 GB |
| A full shoot day from one Pocket 6K | often 200 GB to 1 TB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a 1-minute 6K BRAW clip at 12:1 (about 4.4 GB) 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 | No, send a link |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | No, send a link |
| 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 | No, send a link |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | No, send a link |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send BRAW files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop BRAW files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- 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 BRAW files
- Send the .sidecar files alongside the .braw clips; they hold metadata changes made in Resolve.
- Keep the camera's folder and file names unchanged so the editor can relink clips.
- Split a large shoot into several transfers by card or by day, each under 20 GB.
- Send checksums (for example MD5 or SHA-256) so the editor can confirm every clip arrived intact.
How to open a BRAW file
DaVinci Resolve (free, on Windows, Mac and Linux) opens BRAW natively. Blackmagic RAW Player, installed with the free Blackmagic RAW SDK, plays clips on Windows and Mac. Premiere Pro and Avid need the Blackmagic RAW plug-ins. Phones and standard media players do not open BRAW.
Frequently asked questions
What software opens BRAW files?
DaVinci Resolve, including the free version, opens them natively. Premiere Pro and Avid can use them with Blackmagic's free RAW plug-ins.
Do I need to send the .sidecar files?
Yes, if you have made any grading or metadata changes in Resolve. The sidecar is a small text file that stores those adjustments next to each clip.
Can I compress BRAW footage before sending?
You should not. BRAW is already compressed, zipping saves little, and transcoding throws away the raw data your editor needs.
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