Sending videos

Sending original video files

Some phones (particularly iPhones) and/or email systems do not preserve the filename when a video file is sent so it is good practice to send to me ZIP archive files containing the videos so that the filenames (and so far as possible any metadata) are preserved. You need to create the ZIP archive file on the phone where the original videos are. In the case of any SDCards, insert them in any convenient device in order to create the archive. Exactly where the option to create a ZIP archive is to be found on a phone depends on the type of device but it is often an option under an app named Files and the option may be called Compress.

If you have an iPhone see here.

If your phone does not have a pre-installed app which can be used to create a ZIP archive file you can install and use the RAR app. 

Whichever way you choose to do it, when you email the archive file or files to me make sure that it is clear how many emails you have sent.

Don't rename the video files on your phone - make sure they are preserved as is. If you want to identify or comment on a video file which you are sending to me (for example to make clear what it is a video of, or to point out why it is significant) see below under Sending video files with your Comments.

Making sure that data is not lost 

Note that there are various photo management services which can automatically backup photos and videos from a phone to cloud storage but they may, depending on the options selected, store the data in the cloud in a "lossy" compressed form  (by removing pixels and/or frames). If you have such "lossy" compressed backup copies already, do not rely on them but send the video file direct from the original device. Only send "lossy" compressed copies as a last resort if that is all you have kept.

Sending video files with your comments

Many videos speak for themselves but if you want to comment on a video you send me, for example to make clear what it is a video of, or to point out why it is significant:

1. Don't rename the original video to include a comment - make sure it is preserved as is.

2. Send me an email with your comments identifying each video by the date. If there is more than one video on a particular date, quote the length of the video as well to ensure that it is clear which video you are referring to.

Disclaimer

The information above is necessarily of a general nature and will not be applicable to every case: it is intended to be used in conjunction with more specific advice to the individual client about the individual case. Contact me for advice about your case.

The information on this page about specific computer techniques is provided for information purposes only. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date at the time it was written but no responsibility for its accuracy, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by me. You should satisfy yourself, before using any of the techniques, software or services described, that the techniques are appropriate for your purposes and that the software or service is reliable.

This page was lasted updated in June 2026. Disclaimer