File Attachments
How to mail merge with file attachments using Mail Merge add-on?
This article describes how to add static or personalized file link attachments, or personalized PDF file attachments to a mail merge performed using Mail Merge add-on.
Option A: Static file link attachments
Step 1: Add file
In Google Drive, add your file (if not already there) by clicking on New > File Upload.
Step 2: Click Get Link
Right-click the file on Google Drive, and then click on Share.
Step 3: Click Copy Link
Click on Copy Link to copy the link to the file.
Step 4: Highlight text
In your merge template, highlight the text that you want to link to your file.
Step 5: Click Link
Open the Link option:
In Google Docs, right-click the highlighted text, and then click on Insert Link.
In Google Sheets, Slides, and Forms, click on Insert Link.
Google Docs
Google Sheets, Slides, and Forms
Step 6: Paste link
Paste the link that was copied in the text box provided.
Step 7: Click Apply or Insert Link
Confirm insertion of the link:
In Google Docs, click on Apply.
In Google Sheets, Slides, and Forms, click on Insert.
Google Docs
Google Sheets, Slides, and Forms
Option B: Personalized file link attachments
This option can be used to send a personalized file link attachment to each email recipient using hyperlinks.
The instructions on how to mail merge with hyperlinks using Mail Merge add-on can be found in this article.
Option C: Personalized PDF file attachments
From Google Docs and Google Slides
This option can be used to create a personalized PDF file attachment for each data row in Google Sheets. Both the file attachment and the email body can be personalized for each email recipient using the *|merge fields|*.
The instructions for Google Docs can be found in this article.
The instructions for Google Slides can be found in this article.
Advantages of using file link attachment
Applicable to options A and B
Advantages of file link attachments compared to traditional file attachments
You can change or revoke access to your attachments after emails have been sent.
You can password-protect your attachments.
Shared links are an environment-friendly option as they reduce the data storage footprint. For example, a 2 MB attached file sent to 100 email addresses can consume 200 MB of data storage, whereas a shared link would consume just the 2 MB in your Google Drive.
Spam filters can not block your emails as they would only contain links to attachments.
How file link attachments appear in Gmail
Email Template
Link to Google Drive file
Merged Email
Link to Google Drive file shown as an attachment