Even though Gmail’s built-in templates don’t support attachments, it doesn’t mean you’re out of choices. In this guide, I’ll guide you through two methods to make Gmail templates with attachments.

When it comes to repetitive emails in Google Workspace, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Gmail templates. But what happens if your email requires attachments like a PDF, an image, or another file? Can you include attachments directly in Gmail templates?

That’s where things get complicated. Native Gmail templates don’t support attachments the way you’d hope. Fortunately, there’s a workaround.

Below, I’ll share two distinct ways to create Gmail templates with attachments. I’ll demonstrate how the built-in templates handle it and recommend a Gmail extension worth trying.

You might already be aware that Gmail has a built-in Templates feature (previously known as canned responses). However, you might not yet realize that they don’t support attachments.

Technically, you can compose a Gmail message and save it as a template with an attachment.

But the next time you open this saved template, the actual file won’t be there anymore.

Adding files from Drive won’t change anything—they won’t be saved in Gmail templates.

So, can you add attachments to Gmail templates? Yes. Insert a link to a Google Drive file. The link will remain in your Gmail templates.

Here’s how you create Gmail templates with Drive attachments as links:

1. Compose your email and click the Insert files using Drive icon at the bottom of the email draft.
2. Find the required file, select it, and choose Add as link.
3. You’ll see the file appear as a clickable link, looking almost like regular Gmail attachments.
4. Save this draft as your Gmail template.

When you open it, it’ll look exactly the same: with the link to the Google Drive file still intact.

And when you send this Gmail template, the recipient will see this link while the file will also be "kind of" attached at the bottom of the email.

Note. Your files from Drive must be shared with the recipients before sending the emails. Otherwise, they won’t have access to the files.

If creating Gmail templates with attachment links isn’t an option, you need to use Gmail template extensions. I’ll suggest a reliable one below.

Using Shared Email Templates to create Gmail templates with attachments

If you want to create Gmail templates with attachments that actually stay saved in drafts, Shared Email Templates for Gmail is the best solution available.

It works directly inside Gmail, so you can create, save, and edit Gmail templates and attachments without leaving your inbox.

1. When creating a new Gmail template, click Message attachments (a paper clip icon).

2. Click the plus sign next to Google Drive to add files from your drives.

3. Find the required file on one of your drives (My Drive, Shared Drive, Shared with me) and click Select.

   Tip. If the file is on your computer, you can upload it to your Drive right here, from the top menu: More > Upload.

   

4. You’ll be able to review all and add more attachments if necessary before returning to the template by clicking Close.

When you edit the template, the blue dot on the paper clip will hint there’s an attachment in this template.

And when you save and preview the template, a paper clip at the top of the preview will tell you that there are attachments. Once you insert the template into the Compose window, the selected files will be attached to the email automatically.

But wait, there’s more! Shared Email Templates offers more than file uploads. It offers multiple ways to add attachments to Gmail templates:

• Attach files via URL. Insert the file link and the recipient will get it as an attachment.
• Attach files and folders from Google Drive using macros.
• Attach files based on special data tables called datasets. Your table (dataset) may contain several different links to different files. When you send an email, the extension will automatically pick the correct file based on the data in your email & that dataset. For example, if you’re sending invoices, the extension can attach the correct invoice based on the recipient’s name or company.

All these let you create fully automated, highly personalized Gmail templates with attachments! Cool, right? ?

As a bonus, each of these options has detailed instructional pages so you don’t get lost in the process.

So, can you add attachments to Gmail templates? Yes.

What’s the best way? Well, if you just need a file link, Gmail native templates will do just fine. But if you want attachments that actually stay in templates and maybe have some extra perks (cue: automation), then Shared Email Templates is the way to go. Give it a try and see how much time you will save ?

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