When you send messages in Gmail, you can attach files from Google Drive, such as documents and photos. If the file exceeds the Gmail size limit, or if you want to collaborate on it with others, attach it from Drive.
Send a Google Drive attachment
- On your computer, open Gmail.
- At the top left, click Compose.
- At the bottom of the message, click Insert files using Drive
.
- Select the files you want to attach.
- At the bottom of the page, decide how you want to send the file:
- Drive link: This works for any files stored in Drive, including files created using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms.
- Attachment: This only works for files that weren't created using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Forms.
- Click Insert.
Sharing settings for Google Drive files
When you attach a Google Drive file to a message, Gmail checks to see if your recipients have access to the file. If they don't, you'll be prompted to change the sharing settings of the file before you send your message.