How to Send a File Attachment With Gmail

It's easy to attach documents or images

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on March 31, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

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 doesn't 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.

    A screenshot of Gmail with the Compose button highlighted

  2. Select the Attach Files paperclip icon on the message window. An Open dialog box opens.

    A screenshot of a new message in Gmail with the Attach Files button highlighted

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

    A screenshot of Gmail's Open window with the Open button highlighted

  4. Select the Attach Files paperclip again if you want to add more files from another location. Send the email when you're 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 them as an attachment or sending 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. A new window opens.

    A screenshot of a Gmail message with the Insert Using Drive button highlighted

  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 weren't created using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms can be sent as attachments.

    A screenshot of the "Insert Files" window in Gmail with the "Drive link" and "Attachment" buttons highlighted

  4. Select Insert. Send the message whenever you're ready.

    A screenshot of the "Insert from Google Drive" window in Gmail with the Insert button highlighted

Adding Attachments Quickly by Dragging and Dropping

To add a file to a Gmail 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're composing.

  4. Drag the file or files to the area that lights up with the message. Drop them here.

    If you don't see such an area, your browser doesn't support drag-and-drop attachments. See the above instructions for attaching files in Gmail.

    Screenshot of dragging and dropping attachment

  5. Release the mouse button. The file is attached to the message. Send the email whenever you're ready.

Remove a File From a Message You're Sending

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

Sometimes when you add an attachment, like when dragging an image into the as just described, it will be placed inside the body of the message and not as an attachment. To remove those, just select the item and choose Remove.

A screenshot of a Gmail message with the Remove Attachment button highlighted

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.

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