As technology advances, our options for digital file-sharing continue to grow. Sending simple documents, downloading images or e-books, sharing spreadsheets, uploading videos, or buying NFT artwork—the types of files we share online are pretty diverse, as are the ways we can share them. When deciding how to share a file, size is one of the main things to consider. There are file size limits for email attachments, so big files require other methods. Many platforms and services for sharing large files online exist; some of the most commonly used are iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive. Of course, when it comes to certain types of files, some ways of sharing are better than others. For more on the files we share and the best ways to share them, read on.
NFT artwork
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are new territory. Many of us are just starting to figure out how NFTs work, but it’s clear that this uncharted realm of the digital world is full of possibilities. NFTs are gaining in popularity everywhere, but especially in the art world. Interest in NFT artwork is growing, along with the number of digital art auctions and NFT art marketplaces. If you’re interested and want to learn more, check out LA Collection; it’s an NFT platform, certified by the British Museum, and a great place to explore the NFT art world.
Documents and PDF Files
The first and most common type of file shared online is the document. If it’s a Microsoft Word document or a PDF and you’re using a computer or a mobile device, these files are easy to share and easy to open. Most documents and PDF files can be quickly sent via email, but remember that larger files take longer to send. When your file exceeds the limit for email attachments, Google Docs, Dropbox, and Bublup are good options.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets serve many purposes. They make it easy to keep track of expenses and data and create graphs and charts. Google Sheets is the best option for sharing spreadsheets online. Google Sheets are free, part of the Google Drive suite of tools, and accessible from any computer or mobile device. The sheets are easy to use and can be edited by multiple people at a time, making them perfect for collaborative work.
Photos and Videos
If you happen to be looking for photographs, images, or videos, there are countless numbers available to download or stream for free from almost anywhere on the internet. If you’re looking to share photographs or videos, you can do so as publicly or as privately as you like. Most often, videos are shared on websites like YouTube or Vimeo, and photographs are shared through photo streams, file-sharing services, and various apps and social media platforms. All of these options offer users ways to control who can access the files they upload.
Music
Music files can be streamed or downloaded from many sources and played on a number of devices. In many cases, music files can be accessed for free, and often in high-quality formats. Music can be purchased from various sources online, shared through a file-sharing service like Dropbox, or streamed through a service like Spotify. Streaming services are the most common way music files are shared online; Spotify is the most popular.
E-books
E-books are easy to download and can be read on a variety of devices, including smartphones. Most devices can store several e-books at a time, and they can be read without an internet connection, making it possible to carry a stack of books with you wherever you go, without ever being weighed down. Many e-books can be downloaded for free, or borrowed from a library’s digital catalog.
Overall, when it comes to sharing files online, there’s a lot of flexibility. It’s important to know that NFTs are not flexible; if you want to deal with NFTs, there are rules you have to follow. For everything else, go ahead and download, stream, and share files via any platform you prefer.