Quick answer: To send a large INDD file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A packaged brochure folder is about 500 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a INDD file?
INDD is Adobe InDesign's document format, used for magazines, books, brochures, catalogues and reports. Layout designers, publishers and print shops pass InDesign files back and forth during production.
The .indd file itself is usually modest, because images are linked, not stored inside. The full job, with every photo, logo and font, is what gets big, which is why InDesign's Package command exists: it copies the document, links and fonts into one folder.
Extensions: .indd, .idml, .indb.
How big are INDD files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A 16-page brochure .indd file alone | about 5 to 30 MB |
| The same brochure packaged with links and fonts | roughly 200 MB to 1 GB |
| A 300-page illustrated book, packaged | roughly 2 to 10 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a packaged brochure folder (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 table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send INDD files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop INDD 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 INDD files
- Use File > Package so the document, all linked images and fonts go together, then zip the folder.
- Include an IDML export if the recipient may use an older InDesign or Affinity Publisher.
- Check font licences before sending fonts; some licences do not allow sharing.
- Add a low-resolution PDF so reviewers can check the layout without opening InDesign.
How to open a INDD file
Only Adobe InDesign (Windows and Mac) fully opens INDD. Affinity Publisher can open IDML exports. For viewing, send a PDF, which opens anywhere. Phones cannot edit InDesign files.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my InDesign file say links are missing?
Only the .indd was sent. Images are linked, so package the job with File > Package and send the whole folder.
What is IDML and should I include it?
IDML is InDesign's interchange format. Including it lets older InDesign versions and Affinity Publisher open the layout.
How do I send a packaged InDesign folder?
Zip the package folder or upload it as a folder, then share the download link. The structure arrives exactly as packaged.
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