- Attaching emails in Gmail allows you to forward multiple related messages in a single email
- You can attach emails by selecting them and using the “Forward as attachment” option
- Attached emails are converted to .eml files that can be opened in a new window by the recipient
- Attaching emails is useful for sharing email threads or forwarding messages with full headers
Gmail is one of the most popular email services, offering a wide range of features to manage your electronic communications effectively. One particularly useful feature is the ability to attach emails to other emails. This allows you to forward multiple related messages as a single email, making it easier for the recipient to follow the conversation thread.
In this article, we’ll explore how to attach and include an email as a file in Gmail, the benefits of doing so, and some tips to make the most of this feature.
Table of Contents
Why Attach Emails in Gmail?
There are several situations where attaching emails in Gmail can be beneficial:
- Forwarding multiple related emails: If you have a conversation thread spanning multiple emails, attaching them to a single email makes it easier for the recipient to follow the discussion.
- Sharing email threads with colleagues: When collaborating on a project, attaching relevant email threads keeps everyone on the same page.
- Providing context: Sometimes, an email may reference previous conversations. Attaching those emails provides the necessary context for the recipient.
- Preserving email headers: Attaching an email preserves the original headers, which can be useful for troubleshooting or record-keeping purposes.
How to Attach an Email in Gmail
Gmail makes it easy to attach emails to your messages. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Gmail and select the email(s) you want to attach.
- Click the “More” (three dots) icon at the top of the Gmail window.
- Select “Forward as attachment” from the dropdown menu.
- Compose your new email, adding recipients, a subject line, and any additional text.
- Click “Send” to send the email with the attached email(s).
Alternatively, you can also attach emails by dragging and dropping them into the compose window of a new email.
When you attach an email, Gmail converts it into an .eml file. The recipient can open this file in a new window, displaying the original email with all its formatting and any attachments it may have had.
Tips for Attaching Emails in Gmail
To make the most of Gmail’s email attachment feature, keep these tips in mind:
- Organize your attachments: If you’re attaching multiple emails, consider arranging them in chronological order to make it easier for the recipient to follow the conversation.
- Provide context: In your new email, provide a brief summary of why you’re attaching the emails and what action, if any, is required from the recipient.
- Be mindful of attachment limits: While Gmail allows you to attach multiple emails, be aware of the 25MB attachment limit. If your attached emails exceed this limit, consider using Google Drive to share them instead.
- Protect sensitive information: If you’re attaching emails containing sensitive information, ensure that you’re only sending them to trusted recipients and consider using email encryption.
Troubleshooting Email Attachments in Gmail
If you encounter issues while trying to attach emails in Gmail, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for attaching emails. If you’re on a slow or unreliable connection, try moving to a location with a stronger signal or switching to a wired connection.
- Clear your browser cache: Sometimes, browser cache issues can interfere with Gmail’s functionality. Clear your browser cache and try attaching the emails again.
- Use a different browser: If you’re still having trouble, try using a different web browser to access Gmail. This can help identify if the issue is browser-specific.
- Reach out to Google Support: If none of the above steps work, contact Google Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Attaching emails in Gmail is a powerful feature that can help you streamline your email communications, provide context, and share important information with colleagues and friends. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping the tips in mind, you’ll be able to make the most of this feature and improve your email management skills.
Remember, while attaching emails is useful, it’s also important to be mindful of email etiquette and protect sensitive information. With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Gmail power user.
FAQ
How many emails can I attach in Gmail?
You can attach as many emails as you’d like in Gmail. However, keep in mind that Gmail has a 25MB attachment limit. If your attached emails exceed this size, you’ll need to use Google Drive to share them instead.
Can the recipient edit the attached email?
No, the recipient cannot edit the attached email. When you attach an email, it is converted into an .eml file, which preserves the original content and formatting of the email. The recipient can only view the attached email, not modify it.
Will the attachments in the original email be included?
Yes, when you attach an email that itself contains attachments, those attachments will be included in the .eml file. The recipient will be able to access those attachments when they open the .eml file.
Can I attach emails from my mobile device?
Yes, you can attach emails using the Gmail app on your mobile device. The process is similar to attaching emails on the web version of Gmail. Select the email(s) you want to attach, tap the “More” icon, and choose “Forward as attachment.”
What happens if I attach an email that the recipient doesn’t have permission to view?
If you attach an email that the recipient doesn’t have permission to view, such as an email from a private conversation, the recipient will not be able to open the attached .eml file. It’s important to ensure that you only attach emails that the recipient has the right to access.
