Send attachments with your Gmail message

Add attachments, such as files or photos, to your emails. To send large files over the size limit, such as videos, use Google Drive.

Attach a file 

1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
2. Click Compose.
3. At the bottom, click Attach .
4. Choose the files that you want to upload.
5. Click Open.

Tip: Add an image by dragging it directly into the compose window.

Remove an attachment

After you add an attachment, you can remove it. To the right of the attachment name, tap Close .

Send attachments with confidential mode

Tip: If you're using Gmail with a work or school account, contact your admin to make sure that you can use confidential mode.

1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
2. Click Compose.
3. Click Attach .
4. Choose the files that you want to upload.
5. In the bottom right of the window, click Turn on confidential mode .
   Tip: If you've already turned on confidential mode for an email, go to the bottom of the email, then click Edit.
6. Set an expiry date and passcode. These settings impact both the message text and any attachments. 
   • If you choose 'No SMS passcode', recipients using the Gmail app will be able to open it directly. Recipients who don't use Gmail will get emailed a passcode.
   • If you choose 'SMS passcode', recipients will get a passcode by text message. Make sure you enter the recipient's phone number, not your own.
7. Click Save

Troubleshoot problems

Attachment size limit

You can send up to 25 MB in attachments. If you have more than one attachment, they can't add up to more than 25 MB.

If your file is greater than 25 MB, Gmail automatically adds a Google Drive link in the email instead of including it as an attachment. Learn more about Google Drive attachment sharing settings.

Attachments won't upload (desktop)

1. Make sure that you're using a supported browser.
2. Try adding the attachment in another browser.
3. If you've set up a web browser proxy, try disabling it.

Attachments might be unavailable

Your network administrator or Internet provider probably blocked 'mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com', the domain that Google uses to host attachments.

For more help, contact your internet service provider.

Blocked for security reasons

To prevent viruses, Gmail doesn't let you attach executable files, such as files ending in .exe.