How to Attach An Email to An Email Mac

Attaching an email to another email may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques, it can be a breeze. Whether you want to forward an important thread or share an email conversation with someone else, learning how to attach an email to an email on Mac can greatly enhance your productivity and communication efficiency. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to achieve this, providing you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips along the way.

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The Challenge of Attaching an Email to an Email

Attaching an email to another email poses a unique challenge as it requires a thorough understanding of your email client’s functionalities and features. While the Mac Mail app offers various options for managing your emails, attaching one email to another is not as straightforward as attaching a file. However, with some workaround solutions and a little creativity, you can easily overcome this challenge and streamline your email communication.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before diving into the methods of attaching an email to an email on Mac, there are a few things you should prepare for:

1. A Mac computer: This guide is specifically tailored for Mac users, so make sure you have a Mac computer at your disposal.
2. Mac Mail app: Ensure that you have the Mac Mail app installed and set up on your Mac. If not, you can download and install it from the Mac App Store.
3. Access to the email you want to attach: Locate the email you wish to attach within your email client. This email should be saved in your inbox or any other folder.
4. An active internet connection: To follow the methods explained in this guide, you will need a stable internet connection to access your email account and send emails.

Now that you are prepared, let’s delve into the various methods of attaching an email to an email on Mac.

Method 1. How to Attach an Email via Drag and Drop

One of the simplest methods to attach an email to another email on Mac is by using the drag and drop feature. This method allows you to effortlessly combine two emails into one, forming a single thread that can be easily forwarded or shared. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Mac Mail app and navigate to the email you want to attach.
Step 2: Select and drag the email from the Mail app onto your desktop or any other folder location.
Step 3: A file with the ".eml" extension will be created on your desktop or in the selected folder. This file represents the email you want to attach.
Step 4: Compose a new email in the Mac Mail app and address it to the recipient(s) you want to send the attached email to.
Step 5: Drag and drop the ".eml" file from your desktop or folder directly into the body of the new email you are composing.
Step 6: The email will be attached as a file in the new email. You can type a message, add a subject, and make any other necessary adjustments before sending it.

Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward method.
2. Allows for combining multiple emails into one attachment.
3. Maintains the integrity of the original email thread.

Cons:
1. Requires saving the email as a separate file.
2. Relies on the drag and drop functionality, which may not be ideal for users with mobility or dexterity issues.

FAQs about Attaching an Email via Drag and Drop:

Q1: Is it possible to attach multiple emails using the drag and drop method?

A1: Yes, you can attach multiple emails by selecting and dragging them onto your desktop or folder location. Each email will be saved as a separate ".eml" file, which can then be attached to the new email by dragging and dropping them into the body of the email.

Q2: Can I attach an email to an email as a PDF file?

A2: While the drag and drop method creates ".eml" files, it is possible to convert these files to PDF format using various online converters or Mac applications. Once converted, the PDF file can be attached to the new email like any other file attachment.

Q3: Will the attached email retain its formatting and attachments?

A3: Yes, when attaching an email via drag and drop, the attached email will retain its original formatting, including any embedded images, attachments, and text formatting.

Method 2. How to Attach an Email Using Forward

Another method to attach an email to another email on Mac is by using the forward feature. This method is particularly useful when you want to share an entire email conversation or thread as it allows you to include all previous email replies and interactions. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Mac Mail app and locate the email you want to attach.
Step 2: Right-click on the email and select "Forward" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: A new email window will open with the selected email included as the forwarded message.
Step 4: Address the new email to the recipient(s) you want to send the attached email to.
Step 5: Add any additional information or comments in the body of the email.
Step 6: Click "Send" to forward the email with the attachment.

Pros:
1. Retains the entire email thread, including previous replies and interactions.
2. Provides a seamless way to share email conversations.
3. Quick and convenient method.

Cons:
1. The forwarded email may appear different in the recipient’s email client, depending on their email provider and settings.
2. It may clutter the email thread with unnecessary information for certain recipients.

FAQs about Attaching an Email Using Forward:

Q1: Can I remove or exclude certain parts of the conversation when using the Forward method?

A1: Unfortunately, when forwarding an email, you cannot selectively remove or exclude parts of the conversation. The entire conversation will be included in the forwarded message.

Q2: Will the recipient be able to reply to the original sender using the forwarded email?

A2: Yes, when sending a forwarded email, the recipient will have the option to reply directly to the original sender of the attached email. This ensures seamless communication between all parties involved.

Q3: Can I forward multiple emails as attachments?

A3: Yes, you can forward multiple emails as attachments by selecting and forwarding each email individually. This allows you to create a comprehensive email thread containing multiple attached emails.

Method 3. How to Attach an Email Using Export

If you prefer not to use the drag and drop method or forward feature, you can attach an email to another email on Mac by exporting it as a file and then attaching that file to the new email. This method provides more flexibility and control over the attachment process. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Mac Mail app and locate the email you want to attach.
Step 2: Right-click on the email and select "Export as PDF" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Choose a destination folder to save the exported PDF file. Give it a descriptive name.
Step 4: Compose a new email in the Mac Mail app and address it to the recipient(s) you want to send the attached email to.
Step 5: Click the "Attach" button in the new email composition window.
Step 6: Navigate to the folder where you saved the exported PDF file, select it, and click "Choose" or "Open" to attach it to the new email.

Pros:
1. Allows for more control over the attachment process.
2. Converts the email to a widely supported PDF format, ensuring compatibility with various email clients.
3. Enables easy archiving or storing of important emails as PDF files.

Cons:
1. Requires additional steps to convert the email into a PDF file.
2. The PDF file might not retain the original email formatting, including special fonts or embedded media.

FAQs about Attaching an Email Using Export:

Q1: Can I export an email as a different file format instead of PDF?

A1: By default, the Mac Mail app offers the option to export emails as PDF files. However, there are third-party applications or online converters available that can convert emails to other file formats, such as Word documents or plain text files.

Q2: Will the exported PDF file include all email attachments?

A2: Yes, when exporting an email as a PDF, the resulting file will include all attachments that were part of the original email. This ensures that no information is lost or omitted from the attachment.

Q3: Can I password-protect the exported PDF file?

A3: The Mac Mail app does not provide built-in password protection for exported PDF files. However, after exporting the email as a PDF, you can use third-party PDF editing software to apply password protection or encryption to the file.

Method 4. How to Attach an Email via Print and Scan

If the previous methods do not meet your requirements, another option to attach an email to another email on Mac is by using the print and scan method. This method involves printing the email as a physical document and then scanning it back into your computer as a file attachment. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Mac Mail app and locate the email you want to attach.
Step 2: Click on the "File" menu in the Mac Mail app and select "Print" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: In the print preview window, click on the "PDF" button located in the lower-left corner.
Step 4: Select "Save as PDF" from the dropdown menu and choose a destination folder to save the printed email as a PDF file.
Step 5: Compose a new email in the Mac Mail app and address it to the recipient(s) you want to send the attached email to.
Step 6: Click the "Attach" button in the new email composition window, navigate to the folder where you saved the PDF file, select it, and click "Choose" or "Open" to attach it to the new email.

Pros:
1. Offers an alternative method when other options are not suitable.
2. Provides a physical backup of the email that can be stored offline.
3. Ensures compatibility with all email clients, as the attachment is a standard PDF file.

Cons:
1. Requires access to a printer and scanner.
2. Time-consuming compared to digital attachment methods.

FAQs about Attaching an Email via Print and Scan:

Q1: Can I use a scanning app on my phone instead of a physical scanner?

A1: Yes, if you have a scanning app on your phone, you can capture the printed email as an image or PDF file directly from your phone. Most scanning apps allow you to save or share the scan as a digital file, which can then be attached to the new email.

Q2: Will the scanned PDF file retain the original email formatting?

A2: Yes, the scanned PDF file will capture the visual representation of the printed email, including any formatting, text styles, images, and attachments. However, it’s important to ensure a high-quality scan to maintain legibility and image clarity.

Q3: Are there any size limitations when attaching a scanned PDF file via email?

A3: While email providers and clients may have specific file size limitations for attachments, scanned PDF files are generally small in size compared to other file formats. However, if the scanned PDF file exceeds the attachment size limit, consider using a file-sharing service or compressing the file before sending it.

Why Can’t I Attach an Email?

Attaching an email to another email on Mac may not be possible for various reasons. Here are some common reasons why you may encounter difficulties in attaching an email and their corresponding fixes:

1. Email provider limitations: Some email providers impose restrictions on attaching emails to prevent potential security risks. In such cases, you can try alternative methods like forwarding the email or exporting it as a file before attaching it.
2. Email size limitations: If the email you are trying to attach is too large, it may exceed the attachment size limit set by your email provider. Consider compressing the email or using a file-sharing service to send it.
3. Unsupported email formats: Certain email clients or apps may not support attaching emails in their original format. In such cases, try exporting the email as a file in a more widely supported format, such as PDF or plain text.

Additional Tips

To further enhance your experience in attaching emails to emails on Mac, here are some additional tips:

1. Use descriptive names: When exporting emails as files, give them descriptive names that reflect their content for easier identification later.
2. Organize attachments: Create dedicated folders on your computer or in your email client to store important email attachments, making it easier to locate and attach them when needed.
3. Use online file-sharing services: If your email provider has strict attachment limitations, consider using online file-sharing services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer to share the email attachment with the recipient(s).

5 FAQs about Attaching an Email:

Q1: Can I attach an email to an email on a different email client?

A1: While this guide focuses on the Mac Mail app, most email clients provide similar functionalities for attaching emails. The methods discussed can be adapted to different email clients based on their features and capabilities.

Q2: Is it possible to attach an email as an inline text within the body of the new email instead of as an attachment?

A2: The methods described in this guide focus on attaching an email as a file attachment. Attaching an email as an inline text within the body of the new email is not a standard feature offered by most email clients.

Q3: Can I attach an email to an email on a mobile device?

A3: While the steps mentioned in this guide are specific to Mac, most mobile email apps offer similar functionalities for attaching emails. However, the interface and options may differ slightly depending on the email app you are using.

Q4: Are there any file size limitations when attaching emails?

A4: Yes, email providers often impose restrictions on attachment sizes for both incoming and outgoing emails. These limitations vary depending on the email provider and the type of email account you have. It is advisable to check your email provider’s guidelines regarding attachment size limits.

Q5: Can I attach an email to multiple recipients?

A5: Yes, when composing a new email and attaching another email, you can address the new email to multiple recipients by entering multiple email addresses in the "To" field, separated by commas or semicolons.

In Conclusion

Attaching an email to another email on Mac may seem challenging at first, but with the methods discussed in this blog post, you can easily overcome this hurdle. By utilizing the drag and drop, forward, export, or print and scan methods, you can efficiently attach emails to emails, enhancing your communication and collaboration with others. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best suits your needs. With these techniques at your disposal, you can now confidently attach emails and streamline your email communication on Mac.