Attach files to an email
last updated at: Jun 8, 2026
You can send files with your email, either from your computer or straight from your Drive. This page shows how to add them, where they appear, and how to take one off again before you send.
Start a new email with the Compose button at the top of the sidebar, or open a reply or forward. Each way gives you the same composer with the same attach options.
Attach a file from your computer
- In the composer toolbar, click the paperclip button (Attach file).
- In the Attach file dialog, click Upload from device at the bottom.
- Pick one or more files in the chooser that opens, then confirm.
The files appear as chips just above the message, where you write your text. You can keep adding more the same way.
You can also drag files from your desktop and drop them anywhere on the message. A Drop files to attach overlay appears while you drag, and the files attach when you let go.
Attach a file from Drive
If the file is already in your Drive, you don't need to download it first.
- Click the paperclip button (Attach file) in the composer toolbar.
- In the Attach file dialog, browse to the file you want. Click it to select it, or hold Shift or Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) to select several.
- Click Select to attach them. The button shows a count, such as Select (2), when you pick more than one.
Documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and folders attach as a link the other person can open, rather than as a copy of the file. Everything else, such as a PDF or an image, is attached as a copy.
A link to a Drive document only works for people who can already open it in Eigen. To send the contents to someone outside Eigen, attach a downloaded copy instead, or share the file with them first.
Start an email from a file in Drive
You can also go the other way and begin an email from the file itself.
- In Drive, right-click the file (or open its ⋮ menu) and open the Share submenu.
- Choose Mail to….
A new email opens with the file already attached, ready for you to add the recipients and your message.
Remove an attachment
Each attached file shows as a chip above the message. To take one off, click the X on its chip. The rest stay attached.
File size
There's a limit on how large a single attachment can be. If a file is too big, it won't attach and you'll see a message telling you the size limit. The limit is set by whoever runs your Eigen server, so ask them if you need a larger one.