How to download large files and folders from Dropbox

[Autoinside]

I am using dropbox desktop to upload a bunch of files for clients. Each client has a folder created for them, and in that folder are files that are up to roughly 10gb in size.  The client and I are not sharing back and forth, all they need to do is download the files in that folder once.  I would assume that most of my clients are not dropbox members, and are trying to download with the web client.

On the web client, there is a download button so they can download the contents of that folder. However, everyone who tries to download the files get the same message: "file is too large to download".

On any given day, I could have up to 5 people trying to download thier files from me.

Is there a limit on how much storage can be downloaded in a day? How can I get my files to my clients?

[Rich · Accepted solution]

The File is too large to download message is referring to the limits for downloading a folder of files, which is 1GB in size or containing 10,000 files. Anything above those limits will produce an error if they try to download the folder whole. Instead they would need to download the individual files within the folder.

An alternative solution would be for you to Zip the folder ahead of time and providing a link directly to the Zipped file. Share links to a file have no size limitations (other than the size of your account) like those for a folder. Also, if they have a Dropbox account with enough available space to hold the folder, they can select the Add to my Dropbox option to have the folder automatically saved to their Dropbox account.

Another limitation to be mindful of is the amount of bandwidth used daily for your share links. Basic accounts have a total of 20GB of bandwidth and Plus accounts have 200GB. This is per day on a 24-hour sliding window.

[Autoinside]

why on earth would there be a limitation of 1gb?  1gb is such a small size. Why is the download being limited when I am paying good money for dropbox service. 

[Rich]

Because the process of downloading a folder requires that the folder first be compressed into a single file. It is that process that has a limit of 1GB or 10,000 files. Remember that this limitation only applies when downloading a folder. You can download a single file of any size.

[Dave10]

How can I zip a >1GB directory with thousands of files (scientific data reads) stored on Dropbox but not on my computer? The only answer I can find online is that I need to download the whole directory, then zip it myself, and then re-upload it to their server. This is not possible because I neither have the computational resources nor patience. I'm a paying customer. How can I ask Dropbox to zip the directory for me so I can share it?

[Sanchez]

Hey @Dave10, welcome to our forum! 

I’m afraid we can’t zip that folder up for you, sorry. If you’re sharing this content out with others who need to download it, you can split it up until it falls below the 1GB download size limit. I know this isn’t the ideal solution, but it will ultimately get the job done. 

If you’re wanting to zip your content in order to use less space in your Dropbox, you may be interested in this. By referring others to our service, you can earn more space for your Plus or basic accounts. 

I really appreciate you taking the time to post your question/request, and I thank you for participating in our forum! 

Cheers 

[Happi]

Hi Rich--but how do you create the link for the Zip drive. I am having the same issue regarding size of file being too large and have created a zip folder. But on a macbook air, at least, i dont see an option to create a link to share the zipped folder. 

[Happi]

To clarify, I am attempting to get the too big file from my computer to dropbox. Even after zipped, it is too large. 

[Sanchez]

Hey all, 

Just an update… the download limit for folders from our website is now 20GB! 

@Happi, 

We recommend using our desktop app for uploading your files, as there is no size limit. You can get it here. 

Thanks!

[Jane]

Hey all,   

If it’s not too much trouble for you, would you mind taking a minute of your time to fill out a survey sharing your experience using the Dropbox Community? You can access it here: http://bit.ly/2lNKIxT .

[ Please feel free to get back in touch here at any time if you have any other Dropbox questions or experience any issues in the future. ]