Forwarding a long email thread gets messy. Fast. Sometimes you need to send a copy of an entire message (with all the attachments, timestamps, and sender information) to a colleague, client, or manager without losing any of the context. In Gmail, you can do this by attaching one email to another.
This feature is useful, but too often overlooked. Plenty of people don't know it exists or how to use it. But knowing how to attach an email in Gmail saves time and keeps things clear - with zero copy and pasting. This guide walks you through the process step by step, explains why the attachment option sometimes disappears, and shares fixes for common problems.
Can you send an email as an attachment in Gmail?
Yes. Gmail lets you attach one or multiple emails as .eml files. This feature is particularly useful for:
- Sharing related conversations without losing formatting
- Sending proof of communication for HR or legal purposes
- Keeping a clean and organized record of correspondence
If you're sending sensitive content to people outside your organization, always follow company policies about privacy and encryption.
What does it mean to attach an email in Gmail?
Attaching an email in Gmail means sending the entire message as a .eml file instead of forwarding its content. This keeps the original formatting, attachments, and headers intact. The recipient can open the email exactly as you received it. This is particularly important if the email relates to compliance issues or contains a formal complaint.
How email attachments differ from forwarding
Forwarding shares the content of an email within a new message. Attachments usually come along for the ride, but metadata like the original sender and timestamps can get lost or reformatted.
Attaching keeps everything from the original email intact, making it easier to share conversations for auditing, HR documentation, or client communication.
How to attach an email in Gmail
Attaching emails on desktop
Step 1: Open Gmail and start a new message
Click "Compose" in the top-left corner to create a new email.
Step 2: Open your inbox in another window or tab
Find the email you want to attach. You can keep your inbox open in the same window or open it in a new tab if that's easier.
Step 3: Drag and drop the email
Click and drag the email you want to attach into the compose window. Gmail automatically converts it into a .eml file attachment.
Step 4: Confirm the email shows as an attachment
A small envelope icon in the compose window confirms your email has been successfully attached. You can attach multiple emails at once using the same drag-and-drop method.
Step 5: Write your message and send
Harvard Business Review recommends including bullet points detailing the background information. This helps recipients quickly grasp why they’ve been forwarded this content and what to look out for.
Tip: Alternatively you can right-click on the email in your inbox and select "Forward as attachment" to add it to your new message.
Attaching emails on mobile devices
The Gmail mobile app doesn't support attaching emails directly. However, you have a few workarounds:
Forward manually: Copy and paste the content into a new email.
Save as PDF: Use the "Print" option to save the email as a PDF, then attach that file.
Desktop mode in a browser: Access Gmail on your phone's browser and switch to desktop mode to attach emails the same way you would on a computer.
These methods let you keep context even when the mobile app doesn't support direct email attachments.
Why is the attachment option not showing?
Sometimes the attachment option doesn't appear. Here are the most common reasons:
- Browser issues
Clear your cache, disable conflicting extensions, or update Chrome. - Feature limitations
Some organizational Gmail accounts restrict attachments for security reasons. - Email size limits
Gmail attachments can't exceed 25 MB per email. For example, if you're trying to attach a client's email that contains large embedded images, you might need to save it as a PDF first before sending. - Network or workplace restrictions
Some companies block the attachment feature for data control.
Common problems and fixes
Attachment option missing
This usually happens when you're using the Gmail mobile app or have browser limitations. Try switching to a desktop browser to access the full attachment feature.
File too large
If your email exceeds 25 MB, Gmail won't let you attach it. Upload the email to Google Drive instead and share the link with your recipient.
Message blocked
Some companies have policies that restrict email attachments. Contact your admin or use your organization's approved file-sharing method.
Format unreadable
If your recipient's email client doesn't support .eml files, they might have trouble opening the attachment. Suggest they use Outlook or Thunderbird, both of which can open .eml files without issues.
Send emails as attachments to keep context intact
Attaching emails in Gmail is a cleaner, more professional alternative to forwarding long email chains. It keeps the original message, attachments, and timestamps intact, making sure your recipient gets the full context.
If the feature isn't working, check your browser, account permissions, or file size limits. Mobile users can use workarounds like PDFs or desktop mode. Understanding and using this feature effectively improves email productivity and reduces confusion in professional communication.
If you're dealing with an overflowing inbox and trying to keep track of important messages, Fyxer can help. Fyxer organizes your Gmail inbox, drafts responses in your voice, and makes sure nothing important gets lost. You'll save an average of 6.5 hours every week. Try it now.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I attach an email as an attachment in Gmail?
Open a new message and drag the email you want to attach into the compose window. Gmail converts it into a .eml file automatically.
Why is the attachment option not showing in Gmail?
Browser settings, account restrictions, or mobile app limitations might hide this feature. Try using Gmail on a desktop browser or clearing your cache.
Can you send an email as an attachment?
Yes. Gmail allows sending one or multiple emails as .eml attachments, keeping full formatting, headers, and attachments intact.
How do I copy an email in Gmail?
Open the email, select the content, and use "Ctrl + C" (Windows) or "Command + C" (Mac). You can also save the message as a PDF to share it.
Why can't I attach attachments in Gmail?
Attachments may be blocked due to file size limits, browser issues, or organizational policies. Use Google Drive or compress files if necessary.
Can I attach multiple emails in Gmail?
Yes. Drag and drop multiple emails into the compose window to attach them all at once.
Does the Gmail mobile app support attaching emails?
Not directly. Use workarounds like saving emails as PDFs or accessing Gmail in desktop mode on your phone's browser.
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