Send Large Files for Free — No Sign-up, Auto-Destruct in 24h

The problem with sending large files

Sending large files online is surprisingly hard. Email providers cap attachments at 25 MB (Gmail) or 20 MB (Outlook). Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox require accounts on both ends. Messaging apps like WeChat compress images and videos, destroying quality. And services like WeTransfer limit free uploads to 2 GB with a 7-day retention window.

If you need to send a 50 MB design file, a 200 MB video, or a 1 GB installer — and you need it done now, without sign-ups or compression — File Shuttle offers a simpler path.

How File Shuttle works

File Shuttle is a serverless file transfer service built on Cloudflare's global infrastructure. The flow is simple:

1. Upload your file. Go to file.shuttlelab.org, click “Send,” and select your file. Upload starts immediately.
2. Get a 4-character code. When the upload finishes, you receive a unique pickup code like “A7K2” — generated from a 31-character set (A-H, J-N, P-Z, 2-9) to avoid confusing characters like I, 1, O, 0.
3. Share the code. Send the code to the recipient via any channel — text message, email, chat. You can also copy the full URL with the code embedded.
4. Recipient downloads. The recipient opens file.shuttlelab.org, clicks “Receive,” enters the code, and downloads the file directly from Cloudflare R2.

The entire process takes under a minute for most files. No registration, no email exchange, no app installation.

Privacy and security

File Shuttle stores files in Cloudflare R2, a globally distributed object storage service. All transfers use HTTPS (TLS encryption), so data is protected in transit. However, files are stored in plaintext on R2 — this is not end-to-end encryption. The server can technically access file contents.

For highly sensitive files, we recommend encrypting them before upload using tools like 7-Zip (with AES-256 encryption) or VeraCrypt. Share the decryption password through a separate channel.

Files are automatically removed from accessibility after 24 hours — the KV metadata (code-to-key mapping) expires via TTL. This means files don't linger in the cloud indefinitely.

Common large file transfer scenarios

• Sending design files to clients. PSD, AI, or Figma exports often exceed 50 MB. Email bounces them back. File Shuttle handles them without compression.
• Sharing video files. WeChat and WhatsApp compress video aggressively. Upload the original file and share the code — the recipient gets it at full quality.
• Distributing software installers. A 500 MB installer can't go via email. Upload it, share the code, and the download starts instantly from Cloudflare's CDN.
• Cross-device transfers. Need a file from your work PC on your home Mac? Upload from one, download on the other — no USB drive, no AirDrop (which only works on Apple devices).
• Temporary contract sharing. Sharing a legal document that shouldn't live in someone's cloud drive forever? The 24-hour expiry keeps it ephemeral.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum file size I can send?

The practical limit is about 5 GB per file — that's Cloudflare R2's maximum size for a single PUT request, and File Shuttle uploads via a single PUT (multipart upload would be required to reach R2's 5 TB object ceiling). In daily use, files from hundreds of megabytes up to a few gigabytes transfer without issues.

How long does the file stay available?

The pickup code remains valid for 24 hours. After that, the code expires and the file becomes inaccessible. The recipient must download within this window.

Do I need to create an account?

No. File Shuttle requires no registration, no login, and no email address. Open the site, upload, get a code, and share it.

Is my file encrypted?

Files are stored in plaintext on Cloudflare R2. Transport uses HTTPS (TLS), but the server can access file contents. For sensitive files, encrypt them with 7-Zip or VeraCrypt before uploading.

How does File Shuttle compare to WeTransfer?

WeTransfer's free tier limits uploads to 2 GB and keeps files for 7 days. File Shuttle supports up to about 5 GB per file (Cloudflare R2 single-PUT cap) and files expire in 24 hours. File Shuttle requires no email address — just a pickup code.