While adding attachments to an e-mail is similar in most cases, there are far too many e-mail programs for us to cover them all. This page contains information on how to attach a photo, picture, document, PDF, and other files in popular programs and services. You may have to adapt the provided steps to fit the specific e-mail program or service you use.

Select your program or service from the list below and follow the instructions.

Most e-mail service providers do not allow you to send executable files, like .bat, .bin, or .exe files, as e-mail attachments when using their services. Some scripting files, like JavaScript, Perl, or PHP files, may also not be allowed as an e-mail attachment.

Tips on sending attachments

The following are important points to consider when sending any attachment through e-mail.

  • Tips on sending attachments.

  • Gmail

  • Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail).

  • Yahoo!

  • Apple Mail

  • Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express.

  • Mozilla Thunderbird

  • Mail app on iPhone or iPad.

  • Mail app on Android phone or tablet.

  • It is common courtesy to send only one to five attachments in a single e-mail. If you have more than five pictures, we suggest you post them online and send a link to that site, or compress all the files into one file.

  • If you want to send a video through e-mail, it’s a better idea to send a link to the video instead.

  • To send a file larger than 25 MB, we suggest you post it using one of the services mentioned above as most Internet e-mail services have that as their limit. For more information, see our page on how to send big attachments.

  • Consider using an image editor to reduce the size of images. Images often take up a considerable amount space. Not only does this cause longer download times, but it reduces the number of images you can send.

  • You may attach multiple pictures at the same time by holding down the Ctrl, and then clicking each file individually.

  • You can drag-and-drop attachments into the body of an e-mail message.

Gmail

  • Log in to your Gmail account.

  • In the upper-left corner of the window, click the button to create a new e-mail message. You may also reply to a message you have received previously.

  • When you’re ready to insert an attachment into the body of your message, click the icon at the bottom of the message window.

  • Navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to attach, make your selections (A), and then click Open (B).

  • When you’ve successfully attached your items, you see them at the bottom of the body of your message.

  • When you’ve finished composing your message, click the button.

Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail)

  • Log in to your Microsoft Outlook.com e-mail account.

  • Near the top of the window on the left side, click the down arrow next to New and select Email message. You may also reply to a message you have received previously.

  • When you’re ready to insert an attachment into the body of your message, click the icon at the bottom of the message window.

  • After you select the files you want to send, click Attach as copies on the next screen.

  • When you’ve successfully attached your items, you see them at the top of the body of your message.

If you use an online file options (e.g., OneDrive), check the boxes next to the files you want to attach and then click at the bottom of the window.

Yahoo!

  • Log in to your Yahoo! e-mail account.

  • In the upper-left corner of the screen, click the button. You may also reply to a message you have received previously.

  • In the bottom of the body of your message, click the icon.

  • When you’ve successfully attached your items, you see them at the top of the body of your message.

Apple Mail

  • Open the Apple Mail program on your desktop or laptop.
  • In the top-right side of the screen, click the Compose new message button.
  • When the new message appears, click the Attach a document to this message button (paper clip).
  • Locate the image you want to send and select Choose File.
  • Input the address of the user that you want to send the message.
  • Click the Send button.

Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express

  • Open Microsoft Outlook.

  • Reply to an existing e-mail, or compose a new e-mail by clicking the Message tab the top-left portion of the window.

  • Click the Attach File icon in the top-middle portion of the screen (it looks like a paper clip). Alternatively, you may click Insert at the top of the window and select Attach File.

  • Select a recent file, or click Browse This PC.

  • Navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to attach, make your selections (A), and then click Open (B).

  • If the attachment is successfully added, it is shown under the Subject line next to Attached in your message.

  • Once you’re finished composing the message, click the Send button on the left side of the address window.

Mozilla Thunderbird

  • Open Mozilla Thunderbird.

  • Reply to an existing e-mail, or compose a new e-mail by clicking the Write icon in the top-left portion of the window.

  • In the e-mail, click the Attach icon containing a paper clip.

  • Navigate to the location of the file(s) you want to attach, make your selections (A), and then click Open (B).

  • If the attachment is successful, you see the file(s) in your message.

  • Once you’ve finished typing your message, click the Send button that is located in the upper-left corner of the window.

Mail app on iPhone or iPad

  • Access the Photos app to view the pictures on the iPhone or iPad.

  • Find and tap the picture you want to attach to an e-mail.

  • When viewing the picture, tap the icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.

  • On the Photo Selected screen, tap the Mail icon.

  • A new e-mail message is opened, with the picture attached and displayed in the body of the e-mail. Enter the e-mail address to send the e-mail to (A), the e-mail subject, and any text you want to include in the body of the e-mail.

  • Tap the Send icon (B) at the upper-right corner of the New Message screen to send the e-mail.

Mail app on Android phone or tablet

  • Access the Photos app to view the pictures on the phone or tablet.

  • Find and tap the picture you want to attach to an e-mail.

  • When viewing the picture, tap the Share icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.

  • In the Share to Apps section of the Share screen, tap the email app you want to use. You may have to tap More to find the right app.

  • A new e-mail message is opened, with the picture attached and displayed in the body of the e-mail. Enter the e-mail address you want to send the message to (A), the e-mail subject, and any text you want to include in the body of the e-mail.

  • Tap the Send icon (B) at the upper-right corner of the Compose screen to send the e-mail.

  • How to download, open, and save e-mail attachments.
  • How do I delete an e-mail account or address?
  • How to insert a link into an e-mail.
  • How to delete or move e-mail messages.
  • How to forward or re-send an e-mail message.
  • Why can’t I receive any e-mail attachments?
  • How to e-mail a folder.
  • See the attachment and e-mail definitions for further information and related links.
  • E-mail help and support.