Compress video for email attachments
If a video will not attach to an email, check the other attachments as well as the video. Being able to send it does not guarantee the recipient's mail system will accept it.
Open tool →Destination file-size and duration requirements
| Sending or publishing method | Size requirement | Duration and other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Attachments in personal Gmail | Up to 25MB total | Combined attachments; larger files use a Google Drive link |
| Outlook.com email | Up to 25MB | Entire message, including text, inserted files and attachments |
Work and school Gmail limits are set by administrators. Outlook applications and organizational mail can have other limits. Leave headroom, for example with a copy below 20MB, and check the recipient limit too.
Documentation checked on 6 October 2026. Requirements can change; also check the destination upload screen. ClipForge target size is an estimate: verify the saved size, duration and format before sending.
Reference documentation
Steps
- Select videos in ClipForge and choose local or server conversion.
- Match the container, codec, resolution and video and audio settings to the destination.
- Check a short trial for sound and picture, then save the result.
File selection screen
Prepare a copy for its destination
Aim below the limit rather than exactly at it. If a short section conveys what matters, keeping that section may work better than heavily degrading the whole recording.
Settings and checks
Check your email attachment limit. Test a lower resolution first.
Where processing happens and device limits
Local conversion does not send files to the conversion server. Choosing server conversion uploads them. Local conversion supports up to 512MB; server conversion supports a combined selection up to 64GB. Memory and input codec support can cause failures even below these limits.
Troubleshooting
If playback fails, check the codec inside the MP4 container too. If size exceeds the limit, review bitrate, resolution and duration. After changing fps, inspect motion, synchronization and playback through to the end.
Frequently asked questions
Is specifying only target size or resolution enough?
No. Bitrate, duration, fps and codec affect size and quality even at the same resolution. Include audio in the size budget and inspect the exported size and playback.