How to transfer large files on Facebook with Pipe

A new Facebook app will let you share files up to 1GB in size with your friends. Just follow these quick steps to get started.

Think of how you share files with friends and family. Do you send it to them in an e-mail, through a Skype conversation, or upload it to Dropbox and share a link? Now you can use Pipe on Facebook to send files up to 1GB.

Pipe, a newly launched app for Facebook lets you send files to friends and family, even if they aren't online at that moment. The great thing about using an app that integrates with Facebook over another service is that both parties are probably using Facebook already. You won't have to instruct a friend or loved one to download and sign up for something new just to share a file. Ready to send something? Here's how:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 1: Connect the Pipe app to your Facebook account.
You'll need to visit their Web site: https://apps.facebook.com/pipeapp and then give the app permission to access your timeline and messages. Pipe does not send messages that you have not authorized.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Step 2: Click the Friends button in the top left-hand corner of the Pipe app to find someone to send a file to.

Step 3: The pipe displayed on the screen also serves as the button for selecting a file to send. Click there and then locate the file you want to share on your hard drive, up to 1GB in size.

If your friend is online:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

You'll see a box pop up where you can include a personalized message. Then just click Send File Now and you're set. The app will tell you that it is sending, the file name, the size of the file, percentage completed, and lastly the amount transferred out of the total size. Either party can cancel the transfer at any time.

If your friend is offline:

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Pipe will give you an option for how long you'd like the file to remain in the cloud "Locker." You can choose between 1 and 5 days. The next time your friend is on Facebook, they will receive message stating that a file is waiting for them to download.

What do you think of Pipe? Is it something that Facebook should integrate on their own, or do you like it being a separate app that you can disconnect?

(source: cnet)