Mac Mail is one of the most popular email clients for Apple users. Despite its numerous features, one issue users face is attaching files without embedding them. By default, when you drag and drop a file into a Mac Mail message, it becomes embedded in the email. This can cause problems, especially when sending large files or if your recipient uses a different email client. In this article, we will guide you through the process of attaching files in Mac Mail without embedding them.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, you will need a few things:
- A Mac computer
- A file you want to attach to an email
- A recipient’s email address
What Requires Your Focus?
Three things require your focus when attaching files in Mac Mail without embedding them. Firstly, you need to select the file you want to attach and create a ZIP archive out of it. Secondly, you need to ensure that you have the recipient’s correct email address. Finally, you need to ensure that your internet connection is stable and fast enough to send large files.
Different Methods to Attach Files in Mac Mail without Embedding
Method 1: Using the Terminal
The Terminal is a powerful tool in macOS that allows you to execute commands without a graphical interface. This method involves using a Terminal command to create a ZIP archive of your file, which can then be attached to your email.
- Open Terminal by typing "Terminal" into Spotlight or finding it in Applications > Utilities.
- Type "cd " (with a space) into the Terminal and then drag the folder containing the file you want to attach into the Terminal window. This should add the file path to the command.
- Press Enter.
- Type "zip filename.zip filename.extension" and press Enter, replacing "filename" with the name of your file and "extension" with its extension. For example, if your file is called "document.pdf", the command would be "zip document.zip document.pdf".
- A ZIP archive with the same name as your file should now be in the same folder as your file.
- Open Mac Mail and create a new email.
- Drag the ZIP archive into the email.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient way to attach files without embedding them
- Can send multiple files in one ZIP archive
Cons:
- Requires some knowledge of Terminal commands
- May be intimidating for beginners
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App
There are various third-party apps that can help you attach files in Mac Mail without embedding them. One such app is the free utility called Keka, which allows you to create ZIP, 7Z, and TAR archives.
- Download and install Keka from the developer’s website.
- Open Keka and drag the file you want to attach into the app.
- Choose ZIP as the archive format.
- Adjust any settings as necessary, such as compression level or encryption.
- Click "Create Archive" and wait for Keka to finish creating the archive.
- Open Mac Mail and create a new email.
- Drag the ZIP archive into the email.
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward to use
- Offers more customization options than the Terminal method
Cons:
- Requires downloading and installing a third-party app
- Can take longer to create the archive compared to the Terminal method
Method 3: Renaming the File Extension
This method involves changing the file extension of the file you want to attach, which will trick Mac Mail into not embedding it.
- Select the file you want to attach.
- Press Command-I to open the file’s Info window.
- At the end of the Name & Extension field, change the file extension to something that Mac Mail doesn’t recognize, such as ".xyz".
- Click "Use .xyz" when prompted.
- Open Mac Mail and create a new email.
- Drag the file into the email.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require any third-party apps or Terminal commands
- Fast and easy to perform
Cons:
- May not work with certain file types
- Can be confusing for the recipient if they don’t know how to change the file extension back
Why Can’t I Attach Files in Mac Mail without Embedding?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to attach files in Mac Mail without embedding them:
- The file type may be incompatible with Mac Mail
- The file size may be too large for your email provider to handle
- Your internet connection may be too slow or unstable to send large attachments
Here are some fixes for these issues:
- Try converting the file to a different format that is compatible with Mac Mail.
- Consider using a file sharing service such as Dropbox or Google Drive to send large files.
- Try sending the file when you have a better internet connection or splitting the file into smaller parts.
Implications and Recommendations
Attaching files in Mac Mail without embedding them can be a useful skill to have, especially if you frequently send large files or need to ensure that your recipient can open them on their end. However, it’s important to consider the potential implications of using third-party apps or Terminal commands, especially if you are not familiar with them. Our recommendation is to try the renaming method first, as it is the simplest and most straightforward method. If that doesn’t work, you can always try one of the other methods.
5 FAQs about Attaching Files in Mac Mail Without Embedding
Q1: Can I attach multiple files using these methods?
A: Yes, you can attach multiple files by either creating a ZIP archive of them or dragging them all into the email separately.
Q2: What file types can I attach using these methods?
A: You can attach most types of files using these methods, as long as they are not restricted by your email provider.
Q3: Can I use a different app besides Keka to create the ZIP archive?
A: Yes, there are many other apps that can create ZIP archives, such as WinZip, StuffIt, and BetterZip.
Q4: Will the recipient need to have Keka to open the ZIP archive?
A: No, the recipient can use any ZIP archive tool to open the file, such as the built-in Archive Utility on macOS.
Q5: Can I attach files without embedding them on my iPhone or iPad?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot attach files without embedding them on iOS devices using the default Mail app. You will need to use a third-party app or file sharing service to send large files.
In Conclusion
Attaching files in Mac Mail without embedding them can be a useful skill to have, especially if you frequently send large files or need to ensure that your recipient can open them on their end. While there are several methods to achieve this, our recommendation is to try the renaming method first, as it is the simplest and most straightforward method. If that doesn’t work, you can always try one of the other methods, such as using the Terminal or a third-party app. With these methods at your disposal, you can send files with confidence and ease.