How to attach a document to an email on Outlook

Question

How to attach a document to an email on Outlook

Karen Keiser 0

I had purchased Outlook Classic which worked just fine for me. I was switched without me requesting a change to an "updated" version of Outlook and I have had several problems with this "improvement."

There is no easy access to attach a document to an email. I read the response to another similar complaint and I couldn't figure out how to do it. "Improvements" should NOT make my work more difficult.
One thing at a time: Just show me what I can do to easily attach documents, without having to walk through a bunch of steps,

Karen Keiser 0 Reputation points

2025-07-22T16:10:32.2333333+00:00

The answer was to use the paperclip at the bottom of the email but I cannot see a paperclip anywhere on the screen, top, bottom or side. I have poor vision and icons are as real problem! Why change what worked fine on the Outlook Classic program?

3 answers

Your answer

Karen Keiser 0 Reputation points

2025-07-22T16:10:32.2333333+00:00

The answer was to use the paperclip at the bottom of the email but I cannot see a paperclip anywhere on the screen, top, bottom or side. I have poor vision and icons are as real problem! Why change what worked fine on the Outlook Classic program?

Answer 1

Darren-Ng 1,425 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Karen Keiser

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I'm sorry for the issue you're facing with. Based on your description, it's likely you switched into New Outlook version without your requesting, and it caused to you some inconvenience in working when having to walk through a bunch of steps to attach documents. Here's the easiest way to attach a file in the New Outlook interface:

To Attach a Document in New Outlook (Desktop or Web)

Start a new email or reply to an existing one.
Look for the paperclip icon 📎 in the toolbar at the bottom of the message window.
Click the paperclip and choose:
- “Browse this computer” to attach a file from your device.
- “Browse cloud locations” to attach from OneDrive or SharePoint.
Select your file and it will be added to the email.

Drag and Drop: You can also drag and drop files directly into the email body to attach them quickly

Relative link https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-pictures-or-attach-files-to-emails-in-outlook-bdfafef5-792a-42b1-9a7b-84512d7de7fc

Hope it helps, if you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out. Have a nice day!

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Darren-Ng 1,425 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-25T00:08:52.1166667+00:00

Hi @Karen Keiser

Just checking in to see if the above information was helpful. If you have any further updates on this issue, please feel free to post back. If you think my reply is helpful to you, please remember to mark it as an answer. Warm thanks.
Darren-Ng 1,425 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-28T23:41:48.2433333+00:00

Hi @Karen Keiser

I hope this message finds you well.

This is my second follow-up to check whether your issue has been resolved. I truly want to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. If your problem is still ongoing or if you have faced any new difficulties, please share more details about the current steps you are stuck on. I am here and happy to provide further help whenever you need it.

While waiting for your response, I will continue tracking other customer questions on the forum to ensure everyone receives timely support. If you have additional questions, please feel free to tag my name in your reply so I can assist you promptly and more personally.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Karen Keiser 0 Reputation points

2025-07-29T16:14:35.5933333+00:00

I could never find the "paperclip" icon to be able to attach a file to an email. I could not complete work that I needed to do. I don't think the new Outlook program is any improvement over the Classic version. Too many choices just become silly. Thank goodness my Classic program was re-opened for me too use. But I really resent it when you shut it down and force me to use the New Outlook, which I truly think is poorly designed.
Darren-Ng 1,425 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-31T01:02:34.26+00:00

Hi @Karen Keiser

I'm sorry for your inconvenience and the issue still persists. Since we are not Microsoft employees, but participants in this community, we truly empathize with your feeling. Here is the screenshot have the paperclip that you can try to find in New Outlook

Once again, we are sorry for the issue you're facing. I hope it helps, if you need any other support, please feel free to reach out. We're glad to support you again.
Gourlay, Helen 0 Reputation points

2025-08-12T08:29:00.69+00:00

It will not attach files. It just has an option to 'upload'. I did not want to send a link to the cloud. I wanted to send an attachment. Total waste of valuable time.
Hornblower409-4652 1,460 Reputation points

2025-08-12T09:42:51.12+00:00

Helen

-- It will not attach files. It just has an option to 'upload'

1 - Could you please describe what step in composing the email where you run into this?

2 - An image would be helpful.

3 - Please see this Microsoft Support article and reply with what platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) and version of Outlook you are using.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/what-version-of-outlook-do-i-have-b3a9568c-edb5-42b9-9825-d48d82b2257c

Or if you access Outlook On the Web (https://outlook.com/) via a browser, what platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) and browser (Chrome, Edge. Safari, Firefox) you are using.

Answer 2

Hornblower409-4652 1,460

>> I was switched without me requesting a change

Revert back to Classic Outlook.

https://support.intermedia.com/app/articles/detail/a_id/29771/~/identifying-and-switching-between-new-and-classic-outlook-interfaces

Answer 3

Hornblower409-4652 1,460

1 - Make sure you are using the "Classic Ribbon" in the New Outlook.
User's image

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-the-simplified-ribbon-44bef9c3-295d-4092-b7f0-f471fa629a98

2 - When composing a new email, to attach a file,

either click the Message -> Attach file icon in the menu bar.
User's image

or

Press and release the ALT key and then type the letters M A F (one at a time) User's image

Karen Keiser 0 Reputation points

2025-07-23T02:53:30.8366667+00:00

Now I cannot find a way to open an attachment a person has sent me! There is a paperclip in the message line, but when I open the email I CANNOT find a paperclip or any other stupid icon to open the attachment. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO MY WORK!
Hornblower409-4652 1,460 Reputation points

2025-07-23T04:52:02.25+00:00

I think you need to consider reverting back to Classic Outlook. I am afraid that the deeper you get into the New Outlook the more frustrating it will be for you.

https://support.intermedia.com/app/articles/detail/a_id/29771/~/identifying-and-switching-between-new-and-classic-outlook-interfaces

>> open an attachment a person has sent me

When viewing the email either in the Reading Page or in it's own window, you should see "boxes" for each attachment. e.g.

If this is not what you see, please give me a screen capture. (And black out any personal information).

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How to attach a document to an email on Outlook

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