How do I Cut, Copy, & Paste a Document From a File Into an Email?

Using the cut, copy and paste features in email programs can enhance your message.

Most email programs allow you to cut or copy text or graphics from another document or file and paste it into the body of the email message. For instance, you can copy graphs created in Microsoft Excel into the message body of an email in Microsoft Outlook. This feature can save you from re-typing lengthy amounts of text and also allows you to personalize messages with pictures, logos and other graphics.

Instructions

Cut or Copy Text From Another Document Into an Email

1. Open the document or file containing the text you wish to include in your email. Navigate to the area containing the text you wish to add to an email.

2. Hold down the left-click button on your mouse and scroll the mouse over the text you wish to include in the email. Point to the highlighted text; then right-click your mouse and select either "Cut" or "Copy." The highlighted text disappears if you select the "Cut" command.

3. Open your email program, such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail. Open the message you wish to add the text to.

4. Move the cursor to the area in the message body where you wish to insert the cut or copied text. Right-click your mouse and select "Paste."

Cut or Copy an Image or Graphic Into an Email

1. Open the file containing the image or graphic you wish to include in your email.

2. Point the arrow over the picture, image or graphic, and then right-click your mouse and select "Cut" or "Copy." The image disappears if you select the "Cut" command.

3. Open your email program, such as Microsoft Outlook or Gmail. Open the message you wish to add the image to.

4. Move the cursor to the area in the message body where you wish to insert the image or graphic. Right-click your mouse and select "Paste."

Tips & Warnings

• The cut, copy and paste feature works best with HTML-based emails.

• Plain-text email messages do not allow you to insert graphics, images or logos into the message body.

• You will lose the original text formatting of text inserted into plain-text email messages.

References

• Microsoft Corporation: Copy and paste text and images