Apple Mail: Can't Attach Files From within an Email

By Daniel Parker, 6 January, 2026

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

Hi all,

I've had a problem for a while where I can't seem to attach files to an email from within the compose message field. I usually attach from within the toolbar by opening the browse dialog and pressing CTRL + Option + Space to attach. Return and space do not work. However, Ctrl + Option + Space just seems to close the dialog without attaching the file.

If I want to be sure of attaching something, I have to share it from Finder. This means I can't reply with attachments, which destroys thread continuity.

Does anyone have a workaround for this?

Thanks,
Daniel

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Comments

By Ravenpaw on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 18:13

Unfortunately this issue has been around for years. The best workaround I've found is the good old copy and paste: command+c all your files to the clipboard, then command+v them into your message body.

By Maldalain on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 18:26

I copy content from Finder and paste it straight to the body of the mail and it works. I save myself lots of time and finger straing doing this.

By Daniel Parker on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 18:45

I never even knew you could paste files like that. Thanks for the help!

By Seanoevil on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 23:23

When using Apple Mail on my Mac, I can attach a file by pressing Command plus Shift plus A, before browsing and selecting the file.
Just tested and working okay for me.
Hope this helps.
@SeaNoEvil00