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TMO Quick Tip - Mail: Drag-and-drop Attachments

by , 7:30 AM EDT, May 16th, 2007

Including attachments in emails is pretty standard fare, and most people are already aware that you can add an attachment to a message in Apple's Mail application by dragging files into a new message window. What comes as news to some is that you don't have to make a new message first.


Drag a file on the Mail icon...

You can save a step by simply dragging the file you want send onto the Mail icon. Mail will automatically create a new message for you with the file attached, ready to be addressed and sent on its way.


...to make an email message with attachment.

I use this trick all the time. The Mail icon lives in my Dock, so I always have quick access to it - and if Mail isn't running, it will automatically launch when I drag a file on its icon.


Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:ireid2k Posts: 125 Joined: 07 Apr 2003
Subject: Entourage. . .

. . . does this as well. Great time saver!

Close Name:Rainy Day Posts: 607 Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Subject: The Graphic

What is that in the lower right-hand section of the new message window? (Below the signature pop-up menu.) I’ve never seen it before and it looks interesting. How does one display that?

View Name:Guest
Subject: Answer for "The Graphic"
Close Name:Rainy Day Posts: 607 Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Subject: Thanks

Thank you!

View Name:Guest
Subject:
View Name:Guest
Subject:
Close Name:houltmac Posts: 234 Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Subject:

Quote
Anonymous wrote:
Have you tried it with Leopard? Both of my machines open 2 new windows one with the attachment. The other remains empty.


Works fine in Leopard for me, I use it all the time in multiple accounts. This might be worth your looking into.

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