How to Attach Emails in Gmail: A Complete Guide

Attaching an email to another email is one of those Gmail features that feels like it should be obvious — but it isn't. Unlike attaching a file, forwarding an email as an attachment requires a specific approach. Whether you're trying to send evidence of a conversation, escalate a thread to someone new, or archive a message inside another, understanding your options makes all the difference.

What Does "Attaching an Email" Actually Mean?

When most people say they want to attach an email in Gmail, they usually mean one of two things:

• Forwarding an email as an attachment — sending an existing email inside a new message as an .eml file
• Attaching a file to an email — uploading a document, image, or other file from your device or Google Drive

These are handled very differently in Gmail, and the method you use depends on what you're actually trying to do.

How to Forward an Email as an Attachment in Gmail

Gmail doesn't show a "Forward as Attachment" button by default, but the option is there. Here's how it works:

Using Drag and Drop (Desktop Only)

1. Open Gmail in a browser on your computer
2. Compose a new email so the compose window is open
3. Find the email you want to attach in your inbox
4. Drag that email from your inbox directly into the compose window

The email will appear as an .eml attachment inside your new message. This is the fastest method for desktop users and works reliably in Chrome and most modern browsers.

Using the "Forward as Attachment" Option

1. Open the email you want to attach
2. Click the three-dot menu (More options) in the top-right corner of that email
3. Select "Forward as attachment"
4. A new compose window will open with the original email already attached as an .eml file
5. Add your recipient, subject line, and any message body

This method works whether you have one email or multiple selected. If you select several emails in your inbox first (using the checkboxes), then go to More options → Forward as attachment, all selected emails will be bundled into a single new message.

Selecting Multiple Emails to Attach

To attach more than one email at once:

1. In your inbox, check the boxes next to the emails you want
2. Click the three-dot menu at the top of the inbox (not inside an individual email)
3. Choose "Forward as attachment"

All selected emails will be included as separate .eml attachments in a single compose window. 📎

How to Attach a File to an Email in Gmail

If you're looking to attach a regular file — a PDF, image, spreadsheet, or other document — Gmail offers several routes:

Attaching From Your Device

Click the paperclip icon at the bottom of the compose window. A file browser opens, letting you navigate to any file on your computer. Gmail supports most file types but has a 25MB limit per email for direct attachments.

Attaching From Google Drive

Click the Google Drive icon (triangle) in the compose toolbar. You can then choose:

• My Drive — files you've uploaded or created in Drive
• Shared with me — files others have shared with you
• Recent — recently accessed files

You'll also be asked whether to send the file as a Drive link (the recipient needs Drive access) or as an attachment (file is embedded in the email). Files larger than 25MB must be sent as Drive links rather than direct attachments.

Factors That Affect Your Approach 🖥️

Not every method works the same way for every user. A few variables shape what you can do and how smoothly it goes:

Device type — Drag and drop only works on desktop browsers. The Gmail mobile app on Android and iOS handles attachments differently, and the "Forward as attachment" option may not be available in all app versions.

Gmail version — Users on Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) accounts may see slightly different interface options compared to personal Gmail accounts. Admin settings can also restrict certain features.

File size — Direct attachments are capped at 25MB. If your attachment is larger, Gmail will automatically prompt you to send it via Google Drive instead.

Recipient's email client — .eml files work well for recipients using Gmail, Outlook, or Apple Mail. Some older or less common email clients may not open .eml attachments cleanly, which matters if you're sending to contacts outside your organization.

Browser compatibility — Drag and drop into the compose window works best in Chrome. Firefox and Edge generally support it too, but behavior can vary depending on browser version and extensions.

When Attachments Behave Differently

Inline images behave differently from file attachments. When you insert a photo using the image icon, Gmail may embed it directly in the email body rather than attaching it as a file. If you specifically need the image as a downloadable attachment rather than an inline element, use the paperclip method instead.

For .eml attachments forwarded from Gmail, recipients can usually open them by double-clicking, which launches the email in their email client. However, what the recipient sees — and whether they can interact with it easily — depends on their own email setup.

The right method also shifts depending on context. Sending a complaint escalation with an email trail attached calls for the "Forward as attachment" route. Sharing a design file with a client points toward Google Drive. Someone sending a quick photo might just drag it in. Each situation has its own natural fit, and Gmail's flexibility means the same task can often be completed several different ways. 📧