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Fix Gmail Attachment Paperclip and Bottom Toolbar Missing in Chrome

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to attach files or format emails because the paperclip icon and the bottom formatting toolbar do not appear in the Gmail compose window.

Product: Google Chrome / Gmail
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Composing a new email message in Gmail via the Google Chrome browser.
Observed behavior: The bottom formatting toolbar and the attachment paperclip icon are completely missing from the email composition interface.

Before you start

Before proceeding, open an Incognito window in Chrome (Ctrl + Shift + N) and log into Gmail to check if the toolbar appears; this helps rule out conflicting browser extensions.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Google Support for Account-Specific Assistance

Since Gmail and Chrome are both Google products, reaching out to official support is the best path for resolving persistent account-level UI glitches.

If basic browser troubleshooting like clearing your cache does not restore the attachment paperclip, the issue might be rooted in your specific Google account settings or a backend server update.

Access the Help Menu

Click on the '?' (Support) icon located at the top right corner of your Gmail interface.

Search for the Issue

Type 'missing formatting toolbar' into the search field to see if Google has posted an ongoing service alert.

Submit a Support Request

Scroll down and select 'Contact us' or 'Send feedback to Google' to report the missing paperclip directly to the Gmail support team.

Alternative Method: You can also visit the official Google Account Help Community forums to see if other Chrome users are currently experiencing the same missing toolbar bug.

Seamless Email Integration

Bypass Browser Bugs: Send Documents Directly from WPS Office

If your browser's webmail interface is malfunctioning, you can completely avoid the missing paperclip issue by emailing your files directly from within WPS Office using your computer's native email client.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open the document, spreadsheet, or presentation you want to send.
2. Access the Menu: Click on the 'Menu' button situated in the top-left corner of the workspace.
3. Select the Email Option: Hover over the 'Share' option and click on 'Email'. This will automatically launch your default desktop email application.
4. Send the Attachment: Your document will automatically be attached to a new draft. Simply enter the recipient's address and hit send.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my formatting toolbar missing in Gmail?

The toolbar can disappear due to a temporary browser glitch, an outdated version of Google Chrome, or a conflicting browser extension (like an ad-blocker) hiding the UI elements.

Can I toggle the visibility of the bottom toolbar manually in Gmail?

Yes. Look for the 'Formatting options' icon (an underlined 'A') located right next to the Send button. Clicking this icon often toggles the visibility of the bottom formatting toolbar.

Does clearing the browser cache fix missing Gmail icons?

Often, yes. Clearing your Chrome cache and cookies forces the browser to download the latest interface scripts from Google, which frequently resolves missing icons like the attachment paperclip.

Is there a shortcut to attach files in Gmail without the paperclip icon?

Yes, you can bypass the missing paperclip icon entirely by dragging and dropping your file directly from your computer's file explorer into the Gmail compose window.

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