Send a File Attachment With Gmail

Files and clips

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
An independent writer who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated July 05, 2019

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.

Gmail can send files up to 25 MB ​large. 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.

Send a File Attachment With Gmail

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

  1. Select Compose to a new email message or create a reply to a message you received.

    Screenshot of Compose button and new message window

  2. Select the Attach Files paperclip icon on the message window. An Insert File dialog box will open.

    Screenshot of Attach Files button

  3. Select the file or files you want to send and choose Open. The file or files will be attached to the email message.

    Screenshot of adding attachment to Gmail message

  4. Select the Attach Files paperclip again if you want to add more files from another location. Send the email when you are ready.

Send Google Drive Attachments in Gmail

If the file or files you want to send in a Gmail message are stored on Google Drive, you have the option of sending it as an attachment or a link.

  1. Select Compose to a new email message or create a reply to a message you received.

  2. Choose the Google Drive icon on the message window to insert files using Google Drive. The Insert Files using Google Drive window will open.

    Screenshot of Insert files using Drive button

  3. Select the file or files you want to send and choose how you want to attach them by selecting Drive Link or Attachment at the bottom of the window.

    Any files stored in Google Drive can be sent as links. Only files that were not created using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms can be sent as attachments.

    Screenshot of Insert files using Google Drive

  4. Select Insert. Send the message whenever you are ready.

Adding Attachments Quickly by Dragging and Dropping

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

  1. Start with a new message.

  2. Locate the file or files you want to upload in your file browser (Windows Explorer, e.g., or Finder).

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

    Screenshot of dragging and dropping attachment

  5. Release the mouse button. The file will be attached to the message. Send the email whenever you are ready.

Remove a File From a Message You Are Sending

To cancel an attachment you have added to a message, select the Remove Attachment button next to the undesired file.

Screenshot of Remove Attachment button

Have Gmail Remind You About Attaching Promised Files

If you include the right words in the body of your message, such as: "please find the files attached," Gmail can remind you to attach promised files.