SharePoint is a great tool for collaboration and document management—until you start dealing with large files. If you work in manufacturing, architecture, or design, chances are you've felt the pain: massive CAD drawings, 3D renderings, and giant media files that crawl when opening, fail to sync, or clog up your network.

So, what gives? And more importantly—what can you do about it?

Where SharePoint Falls Short

While SharePoint is powerful, it wasn’t built with huge files in mind. Here’s why it can start to crumble under pressure:

File Size Limits: Technically, SharePoint Online supports files up to 250GB—but the user experience can degrade well before you hit that number.
Syncing Headaches: Uploads fail halfway through. Files get corrupted. Teams waste time figuring out which version is the “right” one.
Slow Load Times: Working directly with large files can lead to long wait times and frustrated employees.
Bandwidth Drain: Big uploads and downloads in a shared environment can slow everything else down.

Industries That Feel the Strain

Manufacturing: Engineers work with massive CAD files and simulations that can grind productivity to a halt.
Architecture: High-resolution renderings and floor plans don’t tolerate lag, especially during collaboration.
Design & Media Firms: Video editors and graphic designers need fast access to hefty files—without delay or drama.

Better Ways to Manage Large Files

If SharePoint’s causing more pain than productivity, here’s what you should consider:

1. Use a Cloud Provider Built for Big Files

The best fix? Use a cloud hosting provider that specializes in handling large files—the kind you work with every day. These providers offer optimized storage, faster access, and integrations that can make your life a whole lot easier.

Depending on your industry, the right partner might be different:

If you're working with large media files, Adobe Creative Cloud might be a great fit.
If you're managing massive CAD files, a solution like Panzura or Nasuni could be ideal.
The key? Work with a technology partner who can help you choose a provider that handles your specific file types and integrates cleanly into your Microsoft 365 environment for a seamless experience.

2. Consider an On-Prem or Hybrid File ServerBlob Storage

Cloud not your thing? An on-premises or hybrid file server setup might give you better control and performance for large assets. These can be designed to work in tandem with SharePoint—so your team still gets the collaboration tools they love, without the file size headaches.

3. Leverage Azure for Archiving (Not Daily Use)

Microsoft’s Azure Files or Blob Storage can be great for long-term storage of files you need to keep, but don’t use every day. Think of it as your digital attic—plenty of space, but not where you want to keep your active work.

Final Thoughts

SharePoint is a collaboration powerhouse—but it’s not built for everything. If you’re dealing with large files on a daily basis and running into slowness, sync fails, or storage issues, it’s time to consider a better solution.

Want to learn more?
We’re diving into this exact topic in our upcoming webinar (or catch the recording if you missed it!). We’ll walk through real-world examples and smart solutions for managing large files without the frustration.

Sign up for the webinar or Watch the recording and take the first step toward a smoother, faster file experience.

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