Effortlessly Attach Files to Emails Directly from Finder with Automator
Learn how to streamline your email workflow by adding a custom context menu in Finder using Automator, enabling quick attachment of selected files to new email messages.
Previously, we introduced Automator basics. In this guide, we'll demonstrate how to enhance your Mac experience by creating a custom Finder context menu that allows you to attach selected files directly to an email message.
Start by launching Automator, located in your Applications folder alongside other Mac OS apps. Choose the Custom workflow option to begin. You'll see a window similar to the one below (note that the interface may vary slightly depending on your macOS version):
On the left, you'll find the library containing actions and elements organized in two columns. The large empty area on the right is where you'll drag and drop actions to build your workflow.
Select Files and Folders from the left panel. The right column will update—locate Get Selected Finder Items and drag it into the workflow area. This action enables you to select files and folders in Finder to be processed.
Next, click on Mail in the left column and choose New Mail Message from the right. Drag this action below the previous block in your workflow. You can prefill fields such as recipient address, subject, or introductory message text for the new email, streamlining your communication.
Finally, save your workflow as a Finder plug-in to make it accessible via the context menu. Go to the File menu in Automator, select Save as Plug-In, name your workflow, and ensure that the Plug-in for dropdown is set to Finder.
That's it! You can now right-click selected files in Finder and use your custom menu to instantly attach them to a new email message. For a visual walkthrough, check out the demo video we've prepared for you (5 MB).
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