plaintech.
Internet & email

Attach one or several photos to an email

Attachments send files with a message; inline pictures appear in its text. Recipient apps display them differently. Check your photos for unintended personal information.

Download PDF

Before you start

  • The photos you want to send
  • The recipient’s correct email address

Step 1 of 5: Start a new message

Open your usual email app and choose Compose or New message. Enter the recipient address and a short subject. Add a sentence explaining the photos so the recipient knows what to expect.

Step 2 of 5: Choose the attachment route

In the draft, choose the paperclip or Attach command. On a phone, select photos when offered. Alternatively, start in Photos, select the image and use Share to choose your email app; check that this opens the intended account.

Step 3 of 5: Select the right images

Choose one photo first. To add more, use the app’s multiple-selection option or attach another file. On a computer, Ctrl-click can select separate files in many file pickers. Check the previews and remove any unwanted image.

Step 4 of 5: Wait for upload

Allow each attachment to finish uploading before sending. Review file sizes and the provider’s limit. Gmail accepts up to 25 MB of attachments per message, using a Drive link for larger files; recipients may have smaller limits.

Step 5 of 5: Check and send once

Verify the recipient, subject and attachment previews, then send. Look in Sent afterwards. For a large album, a carefully permissioned share link may be easier; make sure the intended recipient can open it without making the album public.

Try it for yourself

Your small practice task.

Send one harmless photo to a trusted person and ask them to confirm it opens.

Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.

A common question.

Will emailing delete the original photos?

Attaching photos normally sends copies. Keep the originals until you have confirmed any backup or transfer you intended.

Official help, if you need it.

These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.