Quick answer: To send a large RAR file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. A typical RAR archive is about 1000 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a RAR file?
RAR is an archive format created by the WinRAR developers. It is popular for bundling large collections because it offers strong compression, recovery records that can repair minor damage, and easy multi-part archives (.part1.rar, .part2.rar and so on).
Only WinRAR and a few licensed tools can create RAR files, but many free apps can extract them. As with any archive, the size depends on the contents; RAR cannot meaningfully compress video or photos.
Extensions: .rar.
How big are RAR files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| A game mod or asset pack | roughly 100 MB to 2 GB |
| A multi-part archive of a photo shoot | roughly 5 to 50 GB across the parts |
| A text or log archive | often a small fraction of the original |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send a typical RAR archive (about 1000 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 RAR files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop RAR 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 RAR files
- Send every part of a multi-part archive; extraction fails if any part is missing.
- Add a recovery record in WinRAR for important archives sent over long distances.
- If the recipient is on iPhone or a Mac, consider sending a ZIP instead for easier opening.
- Share any archive password separately from the download link.
How to open a RAR file
Windows 11: recent versions open RAR in File Explorer; WinRAR and 7-Zip also work on any Windows. Mac: The Unarchiver or Keka (free). iPhone: the Files app cannot open RAR, but apps such as iZip can. Android: RAR for Android or ZArchiver.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a RAR file on a Mac?
Use a free app such as The Unarchiver or Keka. macOS's built-in Archive Utility does not open RAR.
What do I do with .part1.rar, .part2.rar files?
Keep all parts in the same folder and open the first one. The extractor reads the rest automatically.
Is RAR better than ZIP for sending files?
RAR can compress slightly better and adds recovery records, but ZIP opens on more devices without extra apps.
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