Quick answer: To send a large R3D 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 R3D clip is about 3.9 GB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a R3D file?
R3D is the raw format recorded by RED cameras, from the Komodo to the V-Raptor. It stores REDCODE RAW sensor data, so colour, ISO and white balance can be set in post. It is common on high-end commercials, music videos and films.
Each take is saved as a clip folder (.RDC) that contains one or more numbered .R3D segment files, plus an .RMD metadata file. With resolutions up to 8K, one card can easily hold hundreds of GB.
Extensions: .r3d, .rmd, .rdc.
How big are R3D files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| 1 minute of 6K from a Komodo at a medium quality setting | roughly 2 to 5 GB |
| 1 minute of 8K from a V-Raptor at high quality (HQ) | roughly 10 GB or more |
| A 512 GB CFexpress card full of footage | about 500 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a 1-minute 6K R3D clip (about 3.9 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 R3D files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop R3D 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 R3D files
- Send the whole .RDC clip folder, not just one .R3D file. Long takes are split into several segments.
- Include the .RMD file in each clip folder so look and metadata settings travel with the clip.
- Keep the card's folder structure exactly as the camera wrote it.
- Share checksums so the DIT or editor can verify each transfer.
How to open a R3D file
DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro (with RED's Apple workflow installer) open R3D on Windows and Mac. REDCINE-X PRO, RED's free app, plays and transcodes clips. Phones and ordinary media players do not open R3D.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there several .R3D files for one shot?
RED cameras split long takes into numbered segments inside one .RDC folder. They play as a single clip, so all segments must be sent together.
Which free app opens R3D files?
DaVinci Resolve and REDCINE-X PRO are both free and open R3D on Windows and Mac.
Should I zip the RED card before sending?
Zipping is useful to keep the folder structure in one download, but it will not shrink the footage. Use "store" or no compression to save time.
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