Computer basics, in plain English · Updated October 1, 2026
You have a photo you want to send to someone. Email can carry that picture along with your message.
The simple answer
An attachment is a file sent with an email. Think of it as putting a photo inside an envelope with your letter.
Before you begin
Find the photo and check that it is the right one. If you need help finding a saved picture, start with our files and folders guide.
You also need the person’s email address. A small typing mistake can send your picture to the wrong place.
The basic steps
- Start a message. Open your email app or website and choose Compose, New message, or a similar option.
- Add the recipient. Enter their address in the To field. Check any suggested contact before selecting it.
- Add a subject and message. For example, “Photo from our picnic.”
- Choose Attach. Look for a paperclip, an Attach button, or a photo option.
- Choose your photo. Find it in the file or photo picker and confirm your choice.
- Wait for it to attach. Look for a filename, thumbnail, or completed upload.
- Check, then send. Confirm the recipient and the picture before pressing Send.
The labels vary between email apps. On a phone, the app may ask for access to photos. If it offers selected-photo access, you can choose only the pictures you want to share.
A Gmail example on a computer
In Gmail, start a message with Compose. Select the Attach files paperclip, choose the saved photo, and select Open. Wait for the attachment to finish before sending.
For current Gmail instructions, see Google’s attachment guide.
Sending several photos or a large picture
Start with one photo and check that it arrives. For a group of pictures, compare the total file size with your email service’s limit. If the message will not send, use a sharing link rather than repeatedly attaching the same files.
Follow our guide to sharing a file link with the right permissions. Ask the recipient to confirm they can open it before deleting or moving anything.
Attachment or sharing link?
An attachment sends a copy with the message. A sharing link points to a file held by an online service.
Large photos or groups of photos may exceed your email service’s attachment limit. The service might suggest a link instead. If you use one, check who can open it; sending a link does not always give the recipient permission.
A quick check before Send
- Is the address correct?
- Did I choose the right photo?
- Does the photo show anything private I do not want to share?
- Has the upload finished?
Start by sending one ordinary photo to your own email address. Open the received message and see what the attachment looks like.
If someone asks for a clearer copy, use the app’s original-size option if available and within the service’s size limit.
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Keep learning: What Is a Computer? · More beginner guides
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