How to Attach a Folder to an Email

Living in a busy world, we often find ourselves with an overflowing inbox. This can be especially true if you are professionally responsible for handling customer and client communication. That's why it's important to know how email works, especially when it comes to attachments. For instance, knowing how to attach a folder to an email instead of manually attaching individual files will not only keep you well organized but save you loads of time. Here's a quick guide on how to email one or multiple folders using the most popular email platforms.

How to Send a Folder Through Email Using Gmail

With Gmail boasting 1.8+ billion users, it's no surprise that it also offers two of the simplest ways to attach and email a folder. Here is how to send a folder in email if Gmail is your weapon of choice:

Option 1: How to Attach a Folder to an Email on Gmail

1. Start by compressing the folder you wish to send using right-click and then "Compress folder." This will create a .zip file.
2. Launch your Gmail account and click “Compose” to create a new email.
3. Click on the "Attach a file" (paperclip) icon located at the bottom of the email composition window.
4. Select the compressed folder and click "Open." The folder will now be attached to your email.

Option 2: How to Attach a Google Drive Folder to an Email

1. Copy the folder you wish to attach to your email account into your Google Drive.
2. Launch Gmail and compose a new email.
3. Click on the "Insert files using drive" icon, which is located in the bottom toolbar of the email composition window.
4. Select the folder you wish to attach and click "Insert." The folder will now be attached to your email.
5. This will create a Google Drive link. Depending on what you select next, the link can be opened, viewed, or edited by anyone you send the email to.

Congratulations, you now know everything on how to email folders in Gmail.

*Note: The recipient doesn’t need to have a Google account to access the attachment. Also, if you're worried about the file size limit, know that Gmail allows you to send attachments up to 25MB in size.

How to Attach a Folder in Outlook

Outlook also makes it quite easy to attach a folder full of files to an email. Here's how:

1. Locate the folder you wish to attach in File Explorer (also known as Windows Explorer and Explorer).
2. Right-click on the folder, then from the drop-down, menu select "Send to" > "Compressed (zipped) folder."
3. This should create a .zip folder. Make sure to double-check if the compressed folder contains the files you want to send before proceeding.
4. Open your Outlook email, then select "New message."
5. To attach the folder, click on the “Attach” (paperclip icon) located in the ribbon at the top of your email, then select "Upload and share."
6. In the pop-up window, locate the compressed folder and click "Open."
7. Choose "Change location" if you get a notice that reads, "We're having trouble loading your folder."
8. Attach the compressed folder to your email by clicking "Upload."

And voila, now you’ve learned how to send a folder in Outlook!

*Note: Outlook limits you to 20MB for attachments. If your files are larger, you will need to either compress them further or find an alternative method for sending them.

How to Email a Folder Using Apple Mail

Apple Mail offers a slightly different way of attaching folders to emails. Here's how:

1. Right-click the folder you wish to send, then select Compress or Create Archive (depending on whether you have Leopard or Tiger). This will produce a .zip file.
2. Next, open Apple Mail and compose a new message.
3. Click on the "Attachments" icon, which is located at the top of your email message window. Alternatively, you can drag and drop files from the desktop, Finder, or another program into your message.
4. A drop-down window will appear with three options: "Drag and Drop," "Browse," and "Add."
5. Click on the "Browse" button.
6. A new window will open, and you will be able to browse your computer for the folder you wish to attach.
7. Once you have found the folder, click "Open." The folder will now be attached to your email message.

*Note: Like most email providers, Apple Mail too has a limit on the size of emails. If your files are bigger than 10MB, you will need to use Dropbox or iCloud to send them.

How to Email a Folder Using Yahoo Mail

1. Right-click on the folder you wish to attach, then click "Compress."
2. This should compress the target folder into a .zip file, which can then be attached like any other type of file.
3. Launch Yahoo Mail and create a new message by clicking the Compose button.
4. Click on the paperclip icon in the toolbar, then select "Attach files."
5. A file explorer window will open where you can browse for and select the compressed folder you created in step 1.
6. Once you have selected the file, click "Open" to attach it to your email.
7. The folder will now appear as an attachment in your message window. You can add a subject and message, then click "Send" to send the email.

*Note: Yahoo Mail has a 25MB limit for attachments. If your files are larger or contain a video that is too large, you will need to split them up into smaller files or use an alternate method for sending them.

Learn more: How to Compress a Video for Email

Wrapping It Up

Now you know how to attach a folder to an email in the most popular email clients. This can be a great way to send multiple files at once or to send large files that would otherwise exceed the size limit for email attachments. If, however, your files are too big, you can always use alternative file sharing options such as cloud storage solutions to share them without any hassle.