You can attach an email to another email by sending it as a .eml or .msg file, which preserves the original message's formatting, metadata, and attachments. This process provides full context to a recipient without altering the original content.
Why attach an email instead of forwarding it normally?
Attaching an email preserves the original formatting and attachments, ensuring that embedded images, fonts, and file links remain intact. It also allows you to share multiple emails in one thread, which saves recipients from searching through their inbox for separate messages. By sending the conversation as a single file, you provide unbroken conversation context that includes every reply and forwarded message. Additionally, this method is ideal for archiving important messages, as the .eml or .msg file can be stored independently of your email account, much like a document you would scan and email a document with hp printer for safekeeping.
How to attach an email in Gmail
Two verified methods work on Gmail's desktop web version.
- Select one or more emails using their checkboxes, click the three-dot "More" menu at the top of the inbox, and choose "Forward as attachment". A new compose window opens with the selected emails attached as .eml files.
- Open a new compose window, then drag and drop emails directly from your inbox or any label into the body of the compose window. The emails appear as attachments automatically.
How to attach an email in Outlook for Windows
Two verified methods are available in the desktop app.
- Open a new email, then drag the desired email(s) from your inbox or message list into the body of the new email. The emails attach as .msg files.
- Select the email you want to attach, go to the "Home" tab in the ribbon, click the dropdown arrow next to "Forward" in the "Respond" section, and select "Forward as Attachment". A new email opens with the selected message attached.
How to attach an email in Outlook on the web
The verified method for Outlook.com requires a pop-out window.
- Create a new message or open a reply/forward, then click the "Open in new window" (pop-out) icon to open it in a separate window.
- Arrange the windows side-by-side, then drag emails from the message list into the body of the new message. The emails attach as .eml files.
How to attach an email in Apple Mail on Mac
The verified method uses the menu or context menu.
- Select one or more messages in your mailbox.
- Go to the "Message" menu in the top bar and choose "Forward as Attachment", or right-click the email from the list and select "Forward as Attachment". A new email opens with the selected messages attached as .eml files.
Tips for attaching multiple emails and troubleshooting
You can attach multiple emails simultaneously in Gmail and Outlook by selecting them using checkboxes or Ctrl/Shift+click before dragging or using the "Forward as attachment" option. Recipients need an email client that supports .eml or .msg files to open the attached emails correctly; most modern clients handle these formats. On Gmail mobile or older browser versions, the "Forward as attachment" option might be missing; using the desktop web version or switching to desktop mode in the mobile browser can resolve this, and if you need to share a live document instead, you can attach Google doc to email directly from Drive.
Best practices for sending attached emails
Use descriptive file names when saving or attaching emails so recipients can identify the content without opening it. Always add context in the email body, such as a brief explanation of why you are sharing the attached conversation. Check attachment file sizes before sending, as large files may exceed email limits or take too long to download. Respect privacy by not forwarding sensitive information unless you have explicit permission to share it.
