How to Send a File Attachment with Gmail

It's easy and efficient to attach a file from your computer and send it in Gmail. Sending multiple files is just as easy, and it works with documents you cannot easily re-create in an email (such as videos, images, and spreadsheets) as well.

To attach a file or more to an email you send from Gmail:

• Click Attach a file while composing a message in Gmail. (If you do not see Attach a file, continue with clicking Browse or Choose File below.)
• If a file selection dialog pops up:
  • Highlight all the files you want to send.
    • Use the Ctrl (Windows, Linux) or Command key to highlight multiple files.
    • Use the Shift key to highlight a range.
  • Click Select.
• If you do not get an instant file selector:​
  • Click Browse... or Choose File.
  • Locate the desired document and double-click it.
• Click Attach another file or Attach More Files to add another document to your email.
  • Note that Gmail can send files up to 25 MB big. For larger files, or if the recipient's email service does not allow for files that big, you can use a file sending service instead.

To add a file to a Gmail email message as an attachment using dragging and dropping:

• Start with a new message.
• Locate the file or files you want to upload in your file browser (Windows Explorer, e.g., or Finder).
• Click the file or files with the left mouse button and, keeping the button pressed, drag over the browser window with the email you are composing.
• Drag the file or files to the area that lights up with the message Drop files here.
  • If you do not see such an area, your browser does not support drag-and-drop attachments. See above for attaching files in Gmail.
• Release the mouse button.

To cancel an attachment you have added to a message:

• Click remove next to the undesired file or
• make sure the box preceding it is not checked (if the file has already been uploaded).

With the right words, Gmail can remind you to attach promised files.