How to Email a Microsoft Word Document

Jan 16, 2025

Emailing Microsoft Word documents is a common practice in both personal and professional settings, enabling users to share information efficiently and collaborate on projects. When sending a Word document via email, it’s important to consider the format and size of the file to ensure that the recipient can easily access and view the content without issues. Microsoft Word offers flexible options for saving documents in various formats, including the standard .docx, older .doc, or PDF, which is universally readable on any device without formatting issues.

Before sending a Word document by email, it’s advisable to review the document for accuracy, ensure that it is free from sensitive or confidential information unless intended for the recipient, and check that the document layout appears as expected. Additionally, including a brief message in the email body to introduce the context of the document or provide instructions can enhance communication and efficiency. This approach ensures that documents are not only sent securely but are also presented professionally, making email an effective tool for document distribution and collaborative work.

How to Email a Microsoft Word Document

Microsoft Word makes it easy for its users to share documents through emaill. So if you need to share your document files with peers, classmates, or colleagues, just follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Your Document File in MS Word

First, browse through your file folders and look for your MS Word document. Select and open it in the Microsoft Word app installed on your Windows or Mac computer.
Step 2: Click File and Select the Share Option

Once your document is open, you can start the process of sharing it through email. To begin, open the File tab by clicking ‘File’ on the menu bar and selecting the Share option. You can find it next to the Print option, which is used to print in Microsoft Word. In addition, if the Share option is unavailable, it could mean you aren’t signed in. So make sure to sign in to Microsoft Word.
Step 3: Select an Option to Share via Email

After clicking the Share option in the File tab, the options for sharing the document via email will appear. Those options comprise of the “Upload to OneDrive” and the “Attach a Copy Instead.” If you select the first option, your document will be saved in OneDrive, which you may share directly through an email message or by providing a direct link. If you select the second option, the document will be shared as a file attachment to an email.
Step 4: Enter the Recipient’s Username or Email Address

Enter the username or email address of the person with whom you want to share the document with. You can even add multiple recipients if you want to share the document with more than one individual.
Step 5: Click Send

Once the usernames/emails of your recipients are set, click Send to forward your messages and attachments. Each of your recipients will shortly get an email notification indicating that you shared access to your MS Word document.

Tips for Emailing Word Documents Effectively

tips for emailing word documents effectively

Emailing Microsoft Word documents can be straightforward, but ensuring your documents are sent effectively, securely, and professionally requires some attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to help you email Word documents more effectively:

1. Choose the Right Format

Compatibility: Ensure the document is saved in a format that the recipient can easily open. While .docx is standard for Word, consider saving the document as a .doc for recipients using older versions of Word, or a PDF for universal compatibility and to preserve formatting.
File Size: If the document is large due to images or other content, consider compressing images or using a file compression tool to reduce its size before sending.

2. Use Descriptive File Names

Clear Naming: Name your document files clearly and descriptively so that recipients can easily understand the contents and context without needing to open them first. Include relevant details like the document topic, date, and version if applicable.

3. Include a Cover Message

Email Body: Always include a message in the body of your email. Briefly explain what the document is, why you are sending it, and what actions, if any, are expected from the recipient. This provides context and shows professionalism.

4. Check for Confidential Information

Review Content: Before sending the document, double-check for any sensitive or confidential information that should not be shared. If necessary, remove or redact this information.

5. Use Email Features for Efficiency

Read Receipts and Delivery Confirmations: If you need confirmation that your email has been received or read, use these features sparingly, as they can be seen as intrusive.
Attachment Reminder: Some email programs have features that remind you to attach files if the word “attached” is mentioned in the body. This can prevent sending emails without the intended attachments.

6. Secure Sensitive Documents

Encryption: For sensitive documents, consider using encryption tools or password-protecting the document before sending. Always share the password through a different communication channel.
Cloud Services: For very large files or additional security, use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and send a link to the document instead of attaching it directly.

7. Consider Accessibility

Accessibility Features: Use Word’s built-in accessibility checker to ensure the document is accessible to recipients with disabilities. This includes using proper headings, alt text for images, and accessible colors.

8. Proofread and Spell Check

Final Review: Always proofread your document and your email for typos, grammatical errors, and clarity. This helps maintain professionalism and ensures clear communication.

9. Maintain Version Control

Version Numbers: If you’re sending a document that has or will have multiple versions, include version numbers and revision dates in the document filename or header/footer to keep track of updates.

10. Follow Up

Acknowledgment: If the document requires action from the recipient, follow up after an appropriate interval to ensure it was received and to address any questions or concerns.

FAQs

1. How do I email a Microsoft Word document as an attachment?

To email a Microsoft Word document as an attachment, open your email client, compose a new email, click the “Attach” or “Paperclip” icon, select your Word file, and attach it to the email. Then, fill in the recipient’s email address, subject line, and message before sending.

2. Can I email a Word document directly from Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can email a Word document directly from Microsoft Word. Go to File > Share > Email and choose Send as Attachment to open your email client with the document automatically attached.

3. How do I convert a Word document to PDF before emailing?

To convert a Word document to PDF, open the file in Microsoft Word, click File > Save As, choose PDF as the file format, and save it. Attach the PDF file to your email to ensure compatibility and prevent editing.

4. What should I check before emailing a Word document?

Before emailing a Word document, ensure the file is saved in a commonly used format (.docx or .pdf), has been reviewed for errors, and is named appropriately. Verify that the file size does not exceed email attachment limits.

5. What if the Word document is too large to email?

If the Word document exceeds the email attachment size limit, compress the file into a ZIP folder, or upload it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive. Share the document link in the email instead of attaching the file directly.