A very small PDF. Or even better, a link to a web site or a downloadable PDF.

I guess my thought would be “don’t”.

As James says, link to an online one.

Thanks James. It’s a pretty basic things, but one gotta be the first.

It’s more important to have a web site, but I will sometimes send around pdf updates by email showing recent projects and reminding clients (or potential clients) that I exist.

Wow. I’m really surprised this is so ill received. Before everyone knocks portfolio by email let’s consider a few things:

1. Is your final product typically in a digital medium? If so, a pdf should be more than suitable.
2. You have MORE limitations with a web site than a pdf.
3. Your work should speak for itself. You shouldn’t need to be there, in person, to explain anything.

I can give even more concrete reasons to back myself up if the discussion turns to disagreement. Of course, (for example) if you’re applying to cut blocks for a printing press, a pdf might not be suitable medium for your portfolio. However, it’s 2008, so I can’t imagine you’re going