Attachment Issues

How to Stop Attachments Appearing in the Email Body in Outlook

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users want to prevent files from being inserted as inline objects within the email text and instead attach them as standard file attachments.

How to Stop Attachments Appearing in the Email Body

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Composing an email and attempting to attach a file to send to a recipient.
Observed behavior: The attached files are appearing inside the message body as inline content or embedded objects rather than in the dedicated attachment line.

Before you start

Check your email composition format. Emails composed in 'Rich Text' format often force attachments into the body, while 'HTML' or 'Plain Text' formats typically keep them in a separate attachment box.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Standard Attach File Command in Outlook Desktop

Use the dedicated ribbon command to ensure files are added to the attachment header rather than embedded in the text.

Dragging and dropping files directly into the text area or copying and pasting them can sometimes cause the file to embed as an inline object. Using the native attachment button prevents this.

Open your email draft

Create a new email message or click reply to an existing conversation.

Navigate to the Insert tab

On the top ribbon of the message window, click on the 'Insert' tab or the 'Message' tab.

Select Attach File

Click the 'Attach File' icon. A dropdown will appear showing recent items.

Browse and insert

If your file is not in the recent list, select 'Browse This PC', locate your file, and click 'Insert'. The file will now appear in the Attached line below the Subject.

Use the Standard Attach File Command in Outlook Desktop

Format Check: Ensure your email format is set to HTML (Format Text > HTML) to guarantee attachments stay out of the email body.

Solution 2

Use the Attach File Option in Outlook on the Web

Attach files properly in the web version of Outlook using the built-in toolbar.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Lightweight Office Suite?

While resolving email formatting quirks in Microsoft Office can be time-consuming, document creation doesn't have to be. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that makes editing and sharing documents seamless.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen setup instructions.
3. Open and share documents: Launch the application to create your documents and use the built-in share feature to easily send them via email without formatting worries.

Free and lightweight office suite for Windows, Mac, and mobileFully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formatsBuilt-in PDF editing and document sharing featuresFamiliar tabbed interface for an instant and easy migration

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my attachments keep showing up in the body of the email?

This typically happens if your email message format is set to 'Rich Text'. In Rich Text format, Outlook places attachments exactly where your cursor is positioned in the message body. Changing the format to HTML resolves this.

How do I change my default email format to HTML in Outlook?

Go to File > Options > Mail. Under the 'Compose messages' section, locate the 'Compose messages in this format' dropdown and change it from Rich Text to HTML. Click OK to save your changes.

Can I still drag and drop files without them going into the body?

Yes, if your email is formatted as HTML or Plain Text, dragging a file from your computer and dropping it into the message window will automatically place it in the attachment header box rather than embedding it inline.

How can I remove a file that accidentally embedded into the email body?

Simply click on the file icon or image inside the text area so it is highlighted, and press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard. Then, re-attach the file using the Insert > Attach File button.

Outlook & Email Problems