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To attach a file is to add it to an email or webform submission so it travels with the message or submission. Usually, you select an attachment control, choose a file, and confirm that its name appears before sending. The exact labels and options depend on the app.
How to attach a file to an email
Gmail on a computer
- Open a new message and click Attach.
- Choose the file on your computer and click Open.
- Wait for it to finish uploading, then check that the filename appears in the draft before sending.
Google’s Gmail attachment instructions also cover upload troubleshooting if the file does not appear or finish uploading.
Outlook
In Outlook, use the attach control to browse for a file on your computer or in an available cloud location. Some Outlook interfaces also let you drag a file into the message. Depending on the file and account, Outlook may offer a OneDrive link or an attached copy. The exact controls vary by Outlook edition; see Microsoft’s Outlook attachment instructions and its guide to creating and sending email in Outlook on the web.
How to attach a file to a webform
Find the form’s attachment control, select the requested file, and complete the form’s submission steps. The control may be called “Attach a file,” “Add an attachment,” or something similar. For example, a Grants.gov webform uses Add Attachments; its webform attachment instructions explain that workflow. Confirm the file is listed on the form before submitting.
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File copy or cloud link: what is the difference?
| Option | What the recipient gets | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Attached copy | A separate file sent with the message. | Confirm the intended file is attached and within the service’s limits. |
| Cloud sharing link | A link to a file stored online, rather than a separate copy sent with the message. | Check that the recipient has permission to open the file. Available choices depend on the app, edition, and account. |
Choose the option your interface offers based on how the recipient should access the file. A link can be useful when sharing a cloud file, but access depends on its sharing permissions.
Attachment or image in the message body?
An attachment is a separate file the recipient can open or download. An inline image appears within the message body so the reader can see it in context. Outlook provides both options; use an attachment when the recipient should receive the file separately, and insert the image when it should display as part of the message.
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Why an attachment may not send
- The file is too large: Google states that personal Gmail accounts have a 25 MB attachment limit. When the total attachment size exceeds that limit, Gmail says it removes the attachment and adds it as a Google Drive link. Google does not state a publication year for this limit on the cited help page. Work and school account limits are set by the Workspace administrator, so 25 MB is not a universal Gmail limit. See Gmail’s attachment help.
- The file type is blocked: Gmail blocks executable attachments, including files ending in
.exe, for security reasons. Other services may have different file-type restrictions. - The upload is incomplete or failed: Wait for the upload to finish and check that the filename appears in the draft or form. If it does not, try the service’s upload troubleshooting steps.
File-size and type restrictions depend on the service and account. Outlook may offer OneDrive sharing for files too large to send as traditional attachments, depending on the Outlook edition and available account locations.
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