How to attach an email in Gmail

Sometimes you need to send someone the original email, not a forwarded copy. Gmail can attach whole emails as .eml files.

By David Ray · Updated November 3, 2026 · 2 min read · How we research

Forward as attachment

1. In your inbox list, tick the box next to one or more emails.
2. Select More (three dots) at the top.
3. Choose Forward as attachment.
4. A new message opens with the emails attached. Add the recipient and send.

Drag and drop into a new message

1. Select Compose to open a new message.
2. Drag an email from your inbox list into the new message window.
3. It is added as an attachment. Repeat for more emails.

On a phone

The Gmail app doesn't offer Forward as attachment. Use Forward to send the content, or open Gmail in a computer browser. On iPhone you can also save the email as a PDF with Print → Share, then attach the PDF.

Opening an attached email

The recipient gets a .eml file. Most email apps open it directly. If not, they can use the free EML viewer or convert it with EML to PDF. See what an .eml file is.

Why attach instead of forward?

• It keeps the original headers, which IT teams need to investigate phishing. See how to report phishing.
• It sends several emails at once without forwarding each one.
• The recipient sees the email exactly as it was, including its attachments.

Questions people ask

Can I attach an email to another email in Gmail?

Yes. Use More, then Forward as attachment, or drag the email into a new message.

How do I attach multiple emails in Gmail?

Tick several emails in your inbox, then More, Forward as attachment. They are all attached to one new message.

Can I forward as attachment in the Gmail app?

Not currently. Use Gmail in a computer browser, or forward the email normally.

What format are attached emails in Gmail?

.eml files, which can be opened by most email apps.