Sometimes, instead of forwarding an email, you may want to send it as an attachment. This method preserves the original email’s formatting, metadata, and any embedded attachments. Sending emails as attachments is useful for record-keeping, sharing information without altering its content, or including multiple emails in a single message. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand how to send emails as attachments using different email platforms.
Understanding the Benefits of Sending Emails as Attachments
Sending an email as an attachment ensures the integrity of the original message. When you forward an email directly, the formatting can sometimes change, and metadata such as the sender’s email address or timestamps may not be included. By attaching the email, the recipient sees it exactly as you received it. This approach is particularly useful in legal, business, or academic settings where accurate information is critical.
Sending Emails as Attachments in Gmail
If you use Gmail, sending emails as attachments is straightforward. First, open Gmail and select the email or emails you want to attach. Use the checkboxes next to the emails to select multiple messages if needed. After making your selections, click on the three-dot menu in the toolbar and choose the option to “Forward as attachment.”
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A new email window will appear with the selected emails attached as .eml files. These files retain the original email’s details, including headers and formatting. You can then compose your message and send it as usual.
Sending Emails as Attachments in Outlook
For Outlook users, the process of attaching emails varies slightly depending on whether you’re using the desktop application or Outlook Web App. In the desktop application, open your inbox and select the email you wish to attach. Then, drag the email into a new message window. The selected email will automatically be added as an attachment.
Alternatively, in both the desktop and web versions, you can click on the “More Options” menu or right-click the email and choose “Forward as Attachment.” This action creates a new email with the selected message embedded as a file. Add your recipient’s address and message before sending.
Sending Emails as Attachments in Apple Mail
If you use Apple Mail on macOS, sending an email as an attachment is similarly straightforward. Select the email or emails you want to send. Then, click on the “Forward as Attachment” option from the Message menu or use the toolbar if the option is available. A new email draft will appear with the selected email attached in .eml format.
Compose your message, add the recipient’s email address, and click “Send.” The attached email will retain its original format and information.
Sending Emails as Attachments in Other Platforms
While the process may vary slightly across email platforms, the general principle remains the same. In most cases, you can use a drag-and-drop method or a context menu option to attach an email to a new message. Consult your email provider’s support documentation for specific instructions tailored to their interface.
Receiving and Opening Attached Emails
When someone receives an email attachment, they can open it by clicking on the attached file, usually labeled with a .eml or .msg extension. Most modern email clients and applications support these formats. However, if the recipient encounters difficulties, they can use standalone email viewers or import the file into their email client.
Best Practices When Sending Emails as Attachments
When sending emails as attachments, always confirm that the content is appropriate and does not violate privacy or confidentiality guidelines. If the email contains sensitive information, consider encrypting the message or the attachment to ensure security. Additionally, provide a brief explanation in your message body to inform the recipient about the attached email’s relevance.
Conclusion
Sending emails as attachments is a practical and efficient way to share messages while preserving their original content and metadata. Whether you’re using Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or another platform, the process is user-friendly and versatile. By understanding the steps and best practices, you can ensure clear and professional communication tailored to your needs.
