Forwarding an email inline can strip away the context someone needs, especially when you are sending proof, a full thread, or a message for review. Gmail can attach emails as .eml files on a computer, and the mobile apps can attach an email file that is already saved. Start with the web method when the message is still in Gmail, then use the file options when the email already lives on your device or in Drive.
Attach Gmail messages from the message list
Use this when the email you want to attach is already visible in Gmail on a computer. It is the cleanest way to send one or more Gmail messages as attachments in a new email.
Open Gmail on your computer and select the checkbox next to each email you want to attach.
At the top of the message list, click More, then choose Forward as attachment.
Gmail opens a compose window with the selected messages attached. Fill in To, add Cc or Bcc, enter the subject and message, then click Send.
Use the right click shortcut
For a single message, the shortcut is faster.
- 1.On your computer, open Gmail.
- 2.Right-click the email you want to attach.
- 3.Choose Forward as attachment.
- 4.Complete the compose window with To, Subject, and your message.
- 5.Click Send.
Drag emails into a new draft
Another current Gmail web method lets you drag messages directly into a draft. On your computer, open Gmail, click Compose, then select the email or emails you want to attach from your mailbox.
Drag the selected messages into the body of your draft. Gmail adds them as attached email files, so finish To, Subject, and the message body before you click Send. If the attached emails come to more than 25 MB, Gmail attaches them through Google Drive.
If dragging fails, use the message-list method instead: select the messages, click More, then choose Forward as attachment.
Add an email to a reply
This fixes replies where the thread should stay intact while another email is added as evidence or context.
On your computer, open the Gmail email you want to reply to.
Click Reply.
At the top right of the reply box, click Open in a pop-up.
Go back to your inbox or message list and select the email you want to attach.
Drag that email into the body of the pop-up reply.
Finish the reply and click Send.
Download an email file first
The most common cause is that you need to send the email later, use it in another draft, or attach it when the original Gmail message is not open.
On your computer, open the Gmail message you want to save.
Click More, then choose Download message.
Gmail downloads the email as an .eml file. Google says opening that downloaded .eml file requires a desktop mail client, but Gmail can still attach the file.
Click Compose.
At the bottom of the message, click Attach files.
Select the downloaded .eml file, then click Open.
Finish the email and click Send.
Send a saved email file on mobile
This fixes the mobile limitation: Gmail for Android, iPhone, and iPad can attach a saved .eml file, while native Forward as attachment is documented for Gmail on a computer.
On Android, open the Gmail app and tap Compose.
Tap Attach.
Choose Files or Drive from the menu. If you are on Gmail Go, you cannot send Drive attachments, so pick Files for the saved .eml file or paste a Drive link instead.
Select the saved .eml file and finish your message.
On iPhone or iPad, open the Gmail app and tap Compose.
Tap Attach.
Choose Files or Google Drive.
Select the saved .eml file, complete the email, and send it.
Insert a saved email from Google Drive
Use this when the .eml file is already in Google Drive or you prefer inserting it from Drive while composing in Gmail on a computer. An uploaded .eml file works as a regular file because it is not a Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms file.
Open Gmail on your computer and click Compose.
At the bottom of the message, click Insert files using Drive.
Select the .eml file.
At the bottom, choose Drive link or Attachment.
Click Insert, finish the email, and send it.
Remove an attached email before sending
After the email file is attached in Gmail on a computer, find the attachment name in the compose window.
Click Close to the right of the attachment name.
In Gmail for Android, tap Close to the right of the attachment name.
In Gmail for iPhone or iPad, tap the attachment, then tap Remove.
Check the attachment row before sending so the wrong email does not go out.
Check work and school Gmail limits
The most common cause is an attachment rule set by your organization, especially when attached emails send from a personal Gmail account but fail from a work or school account.
Personal Gmail attachments are limited to 25 MB.
For work or school Gmail, attachment limits are set by the Google Workspace administrator, who can also apply attachment compliance rules to messages.
In the Workspace editions that support it, admins can set Attachment compliance rules that reject, quarantine, or modify matching messages, and the modify action can strip attachments. As a regular user, try a smaller .eml file or ask your organization’s admin whether attachment rules are blocking the message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attach more than one email in Gmail?
Yes. On Gmail for computer, select the checkbox next to each message, click More, then choose Forward as attachment.
Can I forward an email as an attachment from the Gmail app?
Google documents Forward as attachment for Gmail on a computer. On Android, iPhone, and iPad, you can attach an already saved .eml file through Files, Drive, or Google Drive.
What kind of file does Gmail create when I download a message?
Gmail downloads the message as an .eml file. Google says opening the downloaded .eml file requires a desktop mail client.
Why will my attached email not send from a work Gmail account?
A Google Workspace administrator may set attachment rules or limits for work and school accounts. Try a smaller file or contact the admin for the account.
