How to Attach a Photo to an iPhone Email: A Simple Guide

Sending photos via email from your iPhone is a straightforward process, whether you’re sharing vacation snapshots with family, sending images for work, or simply wanting to include a visual in your message. This guide will walk you through the easy steps to attach photos and other files to your emails directly from your iPhone, making communication more engaging and informative.

Attaching Photos, Videos, and Documents to iPhone Emails

The Mail app on your iPhone allows you to seamlessly attach various file types, including photos, videos, and documents. This feature is incredibly useful for sharing memories, sending work-related files, or providing context with visual aids in your emails.

Here’s how to attach a photo, video, or document to an email on your iPhone:

1. Open the Mail App: Start by launching the Mail app on your iPhone’s home screen.

2. Compose or Reply to an Email: Begin writing a new email or reply to an existing one. Position your cursor in the body of the email where you want to insert the attachment.

3. Access Attachment Options: Look above the keyboard for the toolbar. If it’s minimized, tap the Expand Toolbar button (an upward-pointing arrow). Then, tap the Attachment button (plus sign icon).

4. Choose Attachment Type: You’ll see different options for attaching files:

   • Attach a Document from Files: Tap the Attach File button (paperclip icon). This opens the Files app, allowing you to browse and select documents stored on your iPhone, iCloud Drive, or other connected cloud services. You can navigate through Recent, Shared, or Browse sections in the Files app to find your desired document.

   • Attach a Photo or Video from Library: Tap the Photo or Video button (landscape icon). This will give you access to your Photos library. Select the photo(s) or video(s) you wish to attach and tap Done to insert them into your email.

   • Take a New Photo or Video: If you need to take a new photo or video specifically for the email, tap the Take Photo or Video button (camera icon). Your iPhone’s camera will open, allowing you to capture a new image or video. Once you’re satisfied, tap Use Photo or Use Video to attach it. If you need to retake, tap Retake.

5. File Size Limits: Be aware that email accounts often have limits on attachment file sizes. If your file is too large, Mail may offer to use Mail Drop, Apple’s service for sending large attachments. Follow any onscreen instructions if this occurs. Refer to Apple Support for details on Mail Drop limits.

Scanning and Attaching Documents as PDFs

For physical documents, your iPhone offers a handy scan-to-PDF feature directly within the Mail app. This is perfect for sending contracts, forms, or any paper documents quickly via email.

Here’s how to scan and attach a document to an email on your iPhone:

1. Open Mail and Compose Email: As before, open the Mail app and start composing or replying to an email. Place the cursor where you want to insert the scanned document.

2. Access Attachment Options: Tap the Expand Toolbar button and then the Attachment button above the keyboard.

3. Choose Scan Document: Tap the Scan Document button (document with camera overlay icon).

4. Scan Your Document: Position your iPhone camera over the document. Your iPhone will automatically detect and capture the page. For manual capture, tap the shutter button or press a volume button. You can toggle the flash using the Flash Settings button.

5. Review and Save Scan: After scanning, tap Retake if you’re not satisfied with the scan, or Keep Scan if it’s good. You can scan multiple pages if needed. Once done, tap Save.

6. Edit Scanned Document (Optional): To adjust the saved scan, tap on it within your email draft. You can then use editing tools to:

   • Crop: Adjust the borders of the scan using the Crop button (rectangle with corner handles icon).
   • Apply Filters: Enhance readability with filters using the Filters button (overlapping circles icon).
   • Rotate: Correct the orientation using the Rotate button (curved arrow icon).
   • Delete: Remove the scan using the Delete button (trash can icon).

Creating and Attaching Drawings to Emails

For times when words aren’t enough, the iPhone Mail app allows you to create and attach drawings directly in your emails. This is a great way to illustrate ideas or add a personal touch.

Here’s how to create and attach a drawing to your iPhone email:

1. Open Mail and Compose Email: Open the Mail app and begin composing or replying to an email. Position the cursor where you’d like to insert your drawing.

2. Access Attachment Options: Tap the Expand Toolbar button and then the Attachment button.

3. Access Markup Toolbar: Tap the Markup button (pen tip icon) to display the drawing toolbar.

4. Create Your Drawing: Choose from various drawing tools and colors in the Markup toolbar. Use your finger to draw directly on the screen. For more advanced drawing options, refer to Write and draw in documents with Markup.

5. Insert Drawing: Once you’re finished drawing, tap Done, then tap Insert Drawing to attach it to your email.

6. Edit Drawing (Optional): To continue working on a drawing, simply tap the drawing in your email draft and then tap the Edit Drawing button.

Attaching photos and files to emails on your iPhone enhances your communication capabilities, making it easy to share a wide range of content directly from your mobile device. Whether it’s photos, documents, scans, or drawings, the Mail app provides the tools you need to send information effectively and visually.