Begin your day with emails neatly organized, replies crafted to match your tone and crisp notes from every meeting.
© Fyxer AI Limited. Company number 15189973. All rights reserved.
© Fyxer AI Limited. Company number 15189973. All rights reserved.
Sometimes one file isn’t enough. Whether you’re sending a project folder, a batch of photos, or work documents, email clients don’t allow attaching entire folders directly. But there are simple ways to do it safely and efficiently.
You can attach a folder to an email in just a few steps using Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or your computer’s native mail app. You’ll also see what to do when a folder is too large to send, plus how to keep your files secure when sharing them online.
Before attaching a folder, you need to compress it into a ZIP file. This turns your folder into one convenient file, making it easier to upload and send, since zipping a folder reduces its total size, which helps it upload faster and keeps your attachments organized:
.zip file will appear in the same location.Most email providers limit the size of attachments you can send:
If your zipped folder is larger than these limits, you can send it through a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. These platforms are designed for larger file transfers and automatically create shareable links for your recipients. Uploading your folder before you compose your email also helps prevent delays or failed sends, especially if you’re working with a slow connection.
© Fyxer AI Limited. Company number 15189973. All rights reserved.
Related read: How to send a video through email
If your folder is too large to zip or you prefer not to compress it, you can share it through a cloud service instead:
Gmail supports both zipped attachments and Drive links for folders. Both options make it easy to share multiple files in one go without overwhelming your inbox. Whether you are sending reports, design assets, or family photos, Gmail automatically detects large files and helps you choose the most reliable delivery method.
If the upload takes longer than expected, you can keep working in other tabs. Gmail continues uploading in the background until your message is ready to send.
Related read: How to attach an email in Gmail
If your folder exceeds 25 MB, Gmail will prompt you to share it through Google Drive. This option is faster for larger files and ensures your recipients can access the latest version, even if you update it after sending.
You can manage permissions to allow View, Comment, or Edit access. Google Drive offers 15 GB of free storage, which is ideal for sending large or recurring folders. For ongoing projects, Drive links also keep your files organized in one shared location, reducing the need for repeated attachments or version tracking.
Outlook lets you attach zipped folders or link directly from OneDrive for larger files. Both options keep your email professional and organized while ensuring your attachments reach the recipient securely. Outlook automatically checks attachment sizes and suggests OneDrive if a file exceeds the limit, so you never need to worry about failed sends.
You’ll see your attachment appear below the subject line. Double-check the file name before sending to make sure the correct folder is attached.
Related read: How to attach an email in Outlook
This method lets recipients download or collaborate directly through OneDrive, which integrates smoothly with Outlook’s security features. It also reduces inbox storage use and allows real-time collaboration without multiple versions of the same file. Microsoft recommends this option for shared work files because it keeps everything updated and accessible in one secure place.
Yahoo Mail follows the same process as Gmail or Outlook when sending zipped folders.
If Yahoo warns that your file is too large, upload it to Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive and share the link instead. Yahoo integrates with Dropbox, allowing you to attach files directly from the cloud without leaving your inbox.
Smartphones make it easy to compress and send folders directly from your phone. The process is quick and requires no third-party apps, which makes it ideal for sharing work files or photos on the go. Most smartphones also give you access to cloud storage, so you can switch to a shared link if your folder is too large to attach.
You can also upload the folder to iCloud Drive or Google Drive and share the link directly from your phone. If you’re using iOS 15 or later, the Files app integrates with cloud storage by default, so you can manage and send larger folders without leaving your email.
Many Android file managers, including Google Files, automatically compress folders when you choose “Send as ZIP.” You can also use built-in sharing tools to send folders via Google Drive or other connected apps, giving you flexibility to manage files directly from your device.
Sometimes attaching a folder directly is not practical. Cloud sharing is the better choice when:
Using a cloud link keeps your files in one location and ensures everyone is working from the same version. It also saves email storage space and prevents your messages from bouncing back due to large attachments. Cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox make it easy to control permissions, track activity, and revoke access when a project is complete.
Related read: How to attach a photo to an email
To share a folder safely, open it in your chosen cloud service, click Share or Get link, and select “Anyone with the link can view.” Then copy and paste that link into your email.
Cloud storage is more reliable than large attachments and avoids the risk of failed uploads. It also allows recipients to preview or download files without installing extra software. According to Statista, 71% of internet users rely on cloud storage, showing that this has become the standard way to share folders securely.
A few small habits make file sharing faster and smoother. These simple steps help you avoid common mistakes, save time, and keep your work organized. Developing a clear process for naming, checking, and storing your files also makes it easier for your colleagues or clients to find what they need without confusion.
Attaching folders to email becomes straightforward once you know the method. Compress smaller folders before sending and use cloud links for larger ones. Each approach saves time and ensures your files reach the right people quickly.
If you spend a lot of time managing attachments, organizing files, or following up on email threads, Fyxer can help. Fyxer keeps your inbox organized, prioritizes important messages, and drafts replies in your tone so you can focus on the work that matters most.
No. Email platforms do not support sending entire folders. You must compress the folder first or use a cloud link. Compressing keeps your files in one place and reduces upload time, making it easier for both you and your recipient to manage the contents.
Your folder might exceed the size limit or your internet connection may be unstable. Upload it to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox and share a link instead. Check your internet speed or file size before retrying, as large attachments can sometimes time out during the upload process.
Create a new main folder, move the smaller folders into it, compress the main folder, and attach that single ZIP file. This approach keeps your files organized and avoids sending multiple attachments that can clutter your recipient’s inbox.
Yes. Open Drive, right-click the folder, select Get link, and paste it into your email. You can adjust permissions so the recipient can view, comment on, or edit the files, depending on what kind of access you want to allow.
They may need to unzip it using built-in tools or free apps such as WinZip for Windows or The Unarchiver for Mac. It can also help to remind them to download the file fully before attempting to open it, as incomplete downloads can cause errors.
Yes, when managed correctly. Both Google Drive and OneDrive encrypt data in transit and at rest. Always double-check sharing permissions to prevent unwanted access. For sensitive information, choose “restricted” access and share only with specific email addresses rather than public links.