When an email attachment will not fit
Large files often bump into an email service's attachment size limit the moment you try to send them. Uploading the file to Google Drive and sharing just the link sidesteps that limit entirely, no matter how big the file is.
Match the permission to how much control you want to give up
Viewer only lets someone look at the file, Commenter lets them leave suggestions and comments without changing the content, and Editor lets them change the file directly. Picking the right level up front avoids surprises later, like finding a document has been edited when you only meant for someone to read it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sure only people who have the link can see it?
Yes. With "Anyone with the link" enabled, only someone who actually has the link can open the file -- it will not show up in search results, and no one can stumble onto it by browsing.
How do I stop sharing later?
Open "Share" on the same file again and switch "Anyone with the link" back to "Restricted." Any copy of the link that was already sent out will stop working immediately.