How to Transfer a Large Folder from One Mac to Another

Got a new Mac and need to move a big folder over from the old one? Or maybe you want to send a large folder to a friend or coworker who also uses a Mac? Either way, you have several good options. This guide covers all of them - including the fastest free method that works even when the two Macs are in different places.

Transfer a Large Folder Between Two Macs in the Same Room

If both Macs are nearby, you have a couple of easy choices.

Option 1: Use AirDrop

AirDrop is Apple’s built-in wireless file sharing. It is perfect for sending folders between two Macs that are close to each other.

How to AirDrop a folder from one Mac to another:

1. Open Finder on your Mac
2. Find the folder you want to transfer
3. Right-click the folder and choose “Share” > “AirDrop”
4. Select the other Mac when it appears
5. The other Mac receives the folder

Downside: Both Macs need to be within Bluetooth range. It does not work if the two Macs are in different rooms, different buildings, or different cities.

Option 2: Use a USB Drive or External Hard Drive

Copy the folder to a USB drive or external hard drive. Then plug that drive into the other Mac.

Downside: You need a physical drive. And it takes time to copy a large folder twice - once to the drive, once to the new Mac.

Transfer a Large Folder Between Macs in Different Locations

If the two Macs are not in the same room, you need a different approach. This is where online tools come in.

Best Option: Use FileSendZone (No Size Limit, No Sign-Up)

FileSendZone lets you transfer a large folder from one Mac to another over the internet - for free, with no sign-up and no file size limit.

Step-by-Step:

1. Open FileSendZone.com in Safari or Chrome on the Mac that has the folder
2. Click “Add Folder” and select the large folder you want to transfer
3. Copy the link that appears on your screen
4. Send the link to the other Mac (by text, email, or paste it in a message)
5. Open the link on the other Mac
6. The folder downloads directly from the first Mac to the second

This works whether the two Macs are across the room or across the world.

Option: Use iCloud Drive

If both Macs are signed into the same Apple ID, iCloud Drive can sync folders between them.

How it works:

1. Put the folder in your iCloud Drive folder
2. Wait for it to sync to Apple’s servers
3. On the other Mac (signed in with the same Apple ID), open iCloud Drive and download the folder

Downside: You need enough iCloud storage. Free iCloud only gives you 5 GB. Large folders may require a paid plan. Also, the folder needs to fully upload to Apple’s servers before the other Mac can download it.

Option: Use Google Drive

Upload the folder to Google Drive. Share it with yourself or the other person. Download it on the other Mac.

Downside: You need a Google account. Free storage is 15 GB. Large folders take time to upload and download through Google’s servers.

Which Method Should You Use?

Method	Works Over Internet	Size Limit	Sign-Up	Free
AirDrop	No	None	No	Yes
FileSendZone	Yes	None	No	Yes
iCloud Drive	Yes	5 GB free	Yes (Apple ID)	Mostly
Google Drive	Yes	15 GB free	Yes	Mostly
USB Drive	No	None	No	Yes

For two Macs in the same room, AirDrop is quickest. For two Macs in different locations, FileSendZone is the best free option with no size limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer a large folder from one Mac to another without a cable? Use AirDrop if they’re nearby. Or use FileSendZone for any distance - click “Add Folder,” copy the link, and open it on the second Mac. No cable, no sign-up, no size limit.

How do I transfer folders between Macs over the internet? Open FileSendZone.com on the first Mac. Click “Add Folder.” Copy the link. Send the link to yourself or the other Mac. Open the link there. The folder transfers directly.

Is there a file size limit when transferring folders between Macs? Not with FileSendZone. It has no size limit. AirDrop also has no limit for nearby transfers.

Can I transfer a folder from a Mac to a Windows PC? Yes. FileSendZone works between Macs and Windows PCs. Click “Add Folder” on the Mac, copy the link, and open it on the Windows PC.

How long does it take to transfer a large folder? It depends on your internet speed. FileSendZone transfers at your full internet speed because files go directly between devices with no server in the middle.