How to Attach Files in Gmail (Web & Mobile)

Attaching files in Gmail is quick and easy. This guide shows you how to do it on the web and in the Gmail mobile app, with simple steps, examples, and tips for file size limits.

Attach a File in Gmail (Web Version)

Example: Attach a Word document from your computer

1. Open Gmail in your web browser and sign in.
2. Click Compose (top-left).
3. In the new message window, click the paperclip icon at the bottom toolbar.
4. Choose your file (e.g., MeetingNotes.docx) and click Open.
5. Wait for the upload to finish. You’ll see the file listed under the subject line.
6. Add your recipient, subject, and message, then click Send.

Keyboard tips: Press c in Gmail (with keyboard shortcuts enabled) to compose quickly. Drag-and-drop a file from your desktop straight into the compose window to attach it.

Attach a File in Gmail (Mobile App)

Example: Attach a photo from your phone

1. Open the Gmail app on your Android or iPhone.
2. Tap the Compose (pencil) button.
3. Enter the recipient and subject.
4. Tap the paperclip (Android) or attach/+ icon (iOS).
5. Choose one:
   • Attach file (documents/PDFs from your device)
   • Insert from Drive (files in Google Drive)
   • Attach photo (select from your camera roll)
6. Select your photo or file. It will appear below the subject line.
7. Write your message and tap Send.

Quick tip: On iOS, you can also tap inside the message body, choose Insert Photo or Video or Attach File.

File Size Limits & Common File Types

• Attachment size limit: Up to 25 MB per email (total across all attachments).
• If your attachment is larger than 25 MB, Gmail will automatically upload it to Google Drive and include a download link instead.
• Common file types allowed:
  • Documents: .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt
  • Images: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .heic (mobile)
  • Spreadsheets: .xls, .xlsx, .csv
  • Presentations: .ppt, .pptx, .odp
  • Compressed: .zip
• Blocked for security: Executables and similar (e.g., .exe, .bat). Use a .zip archive, or upload to Drive and share a link.

If Your File Is Too Large

1. Let Gmail use Drive automatically: Attach as usual; Gmail creates a Drive link if it’s over 25 MB.
2. Manually upload to Drive: Open drive.google.com, upload your file, then click Insert from Drive in Gmail.
3. Compress the file: Create a .zip to reduce size.
4. Share a cloud link: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and paste the share link in your email.

Important: If the recipient can’t open your Drive link, click the file in Drive → Share → set access to Anyone with the link (or add the person’s email) → choose Viewer unless they need to edit.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Attachment won’t upload: Check your internet connection, refresh Gmail, or try another browser.
• Wrong file type blocked: Zip the file or upload to Drive and share a link.
• HEIC photos from iPhone look odd: In iPhone Settings → Camera → Formats, choose Most Compatible to save as JPEG, or convert to .jpg before attaching.
• Recipient can’t open the file: Ask what formats they can open (e.g., PDF), or resend as a PDF.
• Drive link access denied: Update Drive sharing to “Anyone with the link” or grant specific access.

FAQ

Quick Recap

• Web: Compose → Paperclip → Choose file → Send.
• Mobile: Compose → Attach (paperclip/+ ) → Pick file/photo → Send.
• Over 25 MB? Gmail uses Drive automatically—check link permissions.

Social Media Links

1. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1481331418605373/posts/30729222800056180/
2. X(Twitter) https://x.com/guyrcook/status/1955225690267394352
3. Linked In Community https://www.linkedin.com/posts/practical-digital-strategies_how-to-attach-files-in-gmail-web-mobile-activity-7360626310450204672-2K7u/
4. YouTube Community https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxRp-eZMAxDSz94vOTmbXvXirk7qJ0pyuV
5. Reddit https://www.reddit.com/user/UncleGuy/comments/1mo5xjc/tech_tip_how_to_attach_files_in_gmail_web_mobile/
6. Pinterest Pin https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204843483046373492
7. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/DNQNQbnRILb/