How to Send an Email as an Attachment in Gmail (Step-by-Step Guide)

Did you know Gmail lets you send emails as attachments inside another email? This handy feature was rolled out in late 2019 and is now available worldwide on the Gmail web version.

Instead of forwarding multiple emails separately, you can bundle them together as attachments in a single message. This makes conversations easier to follow and saves time when sharing a thread or multiple related messages.

How does sending an email as an attachment work?

When you attach an email in Gmail, the selected message (or multiple messages) is added to your new email as a file with the .eml extension. The recipient can then open it in Gmail (or another email client) in a separate window, just like a regular email.

This is especially useful for forwarding entire conversations or multiple related emails at once. However, note that this feature only works on the Gmail web version—not the mobile app.

How to send an email as an attachment in Gmail

Here are two simple ways to send emails as attachments:

Method 1: Forward as Attachment option

1. Open Gmail on your computer and log in to your account.
2. Select the email(s) you want to attach.
3. Click the three vertical dots (More options) at the top of the email list.
4. Choose Forward as Attachment.
5. A new message window will open with the selected email(s) attached as .eml files.
6. Add your recipient and message, then hit Send.

Method 2: Drag and Drop

1. Click Compose to start a new email.
2. In your inbox, select the email you want to attach.
3. Drag and drop it into the compose window.
4. The email will appear as an attachment—just like adding a file.
5. Finish writing your message and click Send.

How to attach multiple emails to one email

If you need to send several emails at once, Gmail makes it simple:

1. Log into Gmail from a supported web browser.
2. Select multiple emails using the checkboxes.
3. Click the three vertical dots at the top menu.
4. Choose Forward as Attachment.
5. All selected emails will be attached to a single new message.
6. Note: If the combined attachments exceed 25MB, Gmail will automatically upload them to Google Drive instead.

Related reading: How to Mark and Send an Email as Urgent in Gmail.

How to reply with an attached email in Gmail

You can also attach emails while replying. Here’s how:

1. Open the email you want to reply to and click Reply.
2. Pop out the reply window using the arrow icon in the top-right corner.
3. Drag and drop the email you want to attach into the reply window.
4. The attached email will appear just like a file.
5. Click Send to deliver your reply with the email attached.

Why can’t I send emails with attachments in Gmail?

If Gmail won’t let you send an attachment, check the following:

• Browser issues: Make sure you’re using a supported browser, and try disabling any proxy settings.
• Attachment size: Gmail only allows attachments up to 25MB. Larger files are sent via Google Drive.
• Storage limit: If your Gmail account storage is full, attachments can’t be sent. Check your storage here.
• File type restrictions: Certain file types may be blocked for security reasons.

Final Thoughts

The ability to send emails as attachments in Gmail is a small but powerful feature that makes managing conversations much easier.

Whether you’re sharing a single message, forwarding multiple emails, or replying with context, the “Forward as Attachment” tool saves time and keeps your inbox organized.

Now that you know how to use it, you can make your Gmail communication smoother and more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I send an email as an attachment in Gmail on mobile?

No. Currently, Gmail only supports sending emails as attachments on the desktop web version. If you try it on the mobile app, the feature won’t be available. However, you can still open and read attached emails (.eml files) on most devices.

What file format does Gmail use for attached emails?

When you send an email as an attachment, Gmail saves it as a .eml file. This format can be opened directly in Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and other email clients.

Can I attach more than one email at a time?

Yes. You can select and forward multiple emails as attachments in one message. If the total file size exceeds 25MB, Gmail will automatically upload them to Google Drive instead.

Why can’t I see the “Forward as Attachment” option?

Make sure you’re using Gmail on a desktop browser. The option won’t appear on the mobile app. Also, check that your Gmail interface is up to date—sometimes browser extensions or outdated versions can hide menu options.

Will the recipient see my attached email exactly as I do?

Yes. The attached email keeps its original format, including sender, recipient, subject line, and timestamp. When the recipient opens the .eml file, it looks exactly like the original message.