In Outlook for Windows, how do I add an attachment to an item or mail message?

Attach a file to a message or item

1. Create or open the message or item (e.g., an appointment request) to which you want to add an attachment.
   
   
2. Click in the body of the message or item, and then click the Insert File icon on the toolbar (which, if present, looks like a paper clip). Alternatively, from the Insert menu, choose File... .
   
   
3. Navigate to the file you want to attach. Click it once to select it, and then click Insert. Alternatively, simply double-click the file.

   You can also click the down arrow beside the Insert button for a list of insertion options.

4. In a message, click Send; in any other type of item, click Save and Close.

Note: By default, Microsoft Outlook blocks certain attachment files (such as those ending in .bat, .exe, .vbs, and .js) that can contain viruses. You will be asked whether you really want to send a potentially unsafe attachment. If you click Yes, Outlook will send the attachment. Additional potentially unsafe attachments are blocked from delivery to Indiana University email accounts. For a list, see At IU, what types of attachments are blocked from my email account?

Insert a mail message into another mail message or an item

1. Create or open the message or item (e.g., an appointment request) into which you want to insert a message, and then click in the body of the message or item.
   
   
2. If Microsoft Word is your email editor, click the arrow next to the paper clip icon, and then click Item. Otherwise, from the Insert menu, select Item... .
   
   
3. Locate and select the message that you want to attach, and then click OK.
   
   
4. In a message, click Send; in any other type of item, click Save and Close.

This information was adapted from the help available within Outlook. To access Outlook help, from the Help menu, select Microsoft Outlook Help, or press the F1 key.

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