An attachment is a file (such as a PDF or photo) sent along with an email. Most email services work the same way, including Gmail, Outlook and Apple Mail.
An email account and knowing where your file is saved.
Learn it
How it works
Click New, Compose or New message.
To: the main person. CC (carbon copy): people who should see it. BCC (blind carbon copy): people who receive it without others seeing their address — use for group emails to protect privacy.
Subject: a short, specific summary, such as ‘Application form – Jo Patel’.
Attach: click the paper-clip icon, find the file, select it and click Open or Attach. Wait until it finishes uploading.
Reply goes only to the sender; Reply all goes to everyone on the email; Forward sends it on to someone new.
Before sending, check the address, the attachment and the tone. Mention the attachment in the message.
Worked example 1
Send your CV to a manager, copying in the recruiter.
To: manager's address. CC: recruiter's address.
Subject: ‘CV for Sales Assistant role – Sam Lee’.
Write a short polite message saying the CV is attached.
Click the paper clip, choose ‘Sam Lee CV.pdf’ and wait for it to upload. Check, then Send.
Answer: One email, manager in To, recruiter in CC, CV attached as a PDF.
Try it online · print it · check it
Practice questions
Beginner · ages 11+
Sending an email with an attachment
NameDate
Answer each question.
1.Which field hides recipients' addresses from each other?
2.Which icon usually means ‘attach a file’?
3.You want everyone on the email to see your answer. Reply or Reply all?
4.You want to send an email you received to a new person. Which button?
5.What does CC stand for?
Beginner · answersAnswer key
Sending an email with an attachment — answer key
Answer each question.
1.Which field hides recipients' addresses from each other?BCC
2.Which icon usually means ‘attach a file’?paper clip
3.You want everyone on the email to see your answer. Reply or Reply all?Reply all
4.You want to send an email you received to a new person. Which button?Forward
5.What does CC stand for?carbon copy
Tips
Common mistakes
Forgetting the attachment — attach it first, then write.
