Between ebooks, case studies, data sheets, proposals, and contracts, you probably send email attachments on a daily — if not hourly — basis.

And that means you might be using the common phrase “Please find attached.” Other variations include “Attached please find,” “Please kindly find the attached file,” “Please find the attached file for your reference,” and “Enclosed please find.”

But the phrase is falling out of use. Below, we’ll cover the best “please find attached” alternatives.

Why “Please Find Attached” No Longer Works

Should you use “Please find attached”?

No. First, it sounds stuffy and overly formal. You want to strike a conversational, natural tone with your prospect — not write like a nineteenth-century lawyer. Second, this phrase is unnecessary. Your attachment will show up in the email, so there’s no need to announce its existence unless your email doesn’t already reference it.

Third, it’s a “request” that’s not optional. Like “thanks in advance,” that can make prospects bristle.

Here’s an example of an email with the phrase:

In this example, the phrase “please find attached” immediately alienates the recipient and breaks away from the email’s friendly tone. It’s also redundant — if the cost breakdown attached, the recipient will find it.

A popular alternative to “Please find attached” is “Please find enclosed.” But is it actually better?

Please Find Attached vs Please Find Enclosed

Should you use “please find attached” or “please find enclosed”? The answer is neither.

“Please find enclosed” is the exact same as “please find attached.” The only difference is the last word. Some writers might stress that nothing can be “enclosed” in an email, since an email isn’t an envelope. Thus the correct term would be “attached.” But that distinction is minor, and the truth is that both can be used in a digital context.

If you prefer the term “enclosed” to “attached,” you can still use it. But we suggest using the alternatives below with the word “enclosed” instead of “attached.”

Option 1: Attach the file with no explanation.

If the sole purpose of your email is sending an attachment, cut the phrase entirely.

Example:

Option 2: “Here is”

You can also opt for “here’s [title of the attachment].” Short and sweet.

Example:

Option 3: “I’ve attached”

This is another simple, non-jargon-y alternative.

Example:

Option 4: “This [X] has …”

You can also describe the attachment’s contents, such as, “This case study includes …” or “This business case explains …”

Example:

Option 5: “I’m sharing [X] with you.”

This statement subtly puts you and your prospect on the same team, making your relationship feel more collaborative.

Example:

Option 6: “You’ll find the attachment below.”

You never want an attachment to go unnoticed. This ensures your prospect is aware of the information you attached, but keeps the tone conversational and light.

Example:

Option 7: “Let me know if you have questions about the attachment.”

This is another subtle way to communicate an attachment while letting your prospect know your door is open and you’re available for questions.

Example:

Option 8: “The requested document is attached to this email.”

When sending a document that has been specifically requested, make sure your prospect knows the information they asked for can be found in the attachment.

Example:

Option 9: “Relevant information is attached.”

If the attached document expands on the topic of the email, call this out so the reader knows to reference the document for more information.

Example:

Option 10: “The attached [X] includes…”

For lengthier or more comprehensive documents, you can include a brief synopsis of what the prospect can expect to see when they open it.

Example:

Option 11: “When you review the attached [X], you will see…”

This statement both instructs the recipient to review the attached document and outlines what the document entails.

Example:

Option 12: “Please see the attached [X] for more details…”

This helps you clearly call out what the attached document is and what pertinent details it contains for your prospect.

Example:

Option 13: “Take a look at the attached [X]”

Use this statement when you have a document that you need the recipient’s feedback on.

Example:

Option 14: “Attached herewith this email…”

If you are sending an email that is more formal in tone, this phrase is a good option. Because it is more business formal and may not hold up well in more casual conversations, we recommend using it sparingly.

Example:

Synonyms to “Attached”

Need some more alternatives? Switch it up with ‘attached’ synonyms.

Option 15: “I’ve linked”

Whether you’re linking to site pages or content downloads, let your prospect know to look out for a link, so they don’t miss the valuable information you’ve included.

Example:

Option 16: “For reference, I’ve appended … “

Use this for a first introduction. If the prospect downloaded a piece of content from your site, let them know you noticed, and provide them with additional resources in your introductory email.

Example:

Option 17: “Please see the enclosed … “

This is a bit formal, but it’s helpful when attaching important documents that require action.

Example:

Option 18: ” … added [resource] to this email.”

If you’ve wrapped up a call or meeting with a prospect, send them a recap email and include notes about what was discussed. It keeps the conversation at the top of your prospect’s mind and reinforces key points and takeaways.

Example:

Option 19: “The enclosed [X] shows…”

If you’re using a document to reiterate a point or idea, mentioning the attached file will keep your reader focused on the key takeaway.

Example:

Option 20: “Enclosed is…”

This is a simple way to indicate a document needs the reader’s attention without saying “attached.”

Example:

These “please find attached” alternatives will make your emails feel less stiff and stilted. Small words, big impact.

Now that you have the best alternative phrases to “please find attached,” it’s time to compose your very own attachment email.

1. Collect your files.

Before ever writing a single word of your email, create or collect the files you wish to send. In some situations, the file may be straightforward, like a resource PDF you send to all prospects or a pricing sheet.

If you’re sending multiple files, compress or merge them. You’ll also want to change the file names and send the same file type whenever possible. No prospect wants to go through four files like this:

• pricing table copy (copy)-1.pdf
• pricing breakdown 20XX-04-21 VERSION.jpg
• case studies FINAL.pdf
• djqkeiuwhjIOWI120-f.docx

Make sure all the names are clean and easy to read, so the recipient knows what they’re receiving. Limit file type variation — send two types at most (a PDF and Excel file, for instance. Or a JPG image and a Word document). That way, your recipient doesn’t have to open more than two apps to see the files.

Look at the difference:

• Pricing.pdf
• Case Studies.pdf
• Contract.docx

Finally, make sure to double-check the documents for errors. For example, change the business name to your prospect’s on a contract or custom quote.

2. Compose a subject line that says what the recipient will find inside.

Now, it’s time to write your subject line. The subject line will determine whether your prospect or recipient will open the email.

When including an attachment, you’ll want to allude to what the recipient will find once they open the email. Here are some examples:

• Industry resources for [business name]
• Presentation from today
• Custom quote for [business name]
• [name of document] (e.g. “Partnership contract”)

Here are bad examples of subject lines for attachment emails:

• Great meeting you today!
• [empty]
• Hi from [your name]
• [Recipient’s first name]

While these subject lines aren’t intrinsically bad, they’re not appropriate for an email with an attachment.

(Hot tip: Get inspired with these sales email subject lines and check out these email subject line tips).

3. Open up with a reference to your last meeting, email, or call with the recipient.

If you’re sending an attachment, then your recipient likely requested it during a previous conversation — whether it was in person, over the phone, or on another email.

It’s useful to refer to that in your first line, especially if you and the recipient aren’t coworkers or otherwise close. For instance, you might write:

• “Thanks for chatting with me today.”
• “I enjoyed getting to know the Gallant Warehouse team yesterday.”
• “Thanks for your form submission online — your ebook is ready for download.”

If you’re replying to another email with the attachment, you can potentially do without this step. You can also skip formalities if you’re sending something quick and informal to a coworker. Here’s one example:

4. Include your “please find attached” alternative phrase.

After briefly describing where you and the recipient engaged, it’s time to let them know that they’ll find the document you promised them.

In your “please find attached” phrase, you’ll describe what the document contains. Here are some examples:

• “Here’s the quarterly financial report with a weekly breakdown.”
• “I’ve attached the employment contract, where you’ll see your salary, benefits, and perks.”
• “Take a look at the wedding photos attached below.”

5. Include a call-to-action.

What do you want your recipient to do after they open the attachment? Do you want them to schedule a meeting with you to talk about next steps? Or do you want them to give you feedback on the enclosed document? Or maybe you simply want them to send you any questions they may have.

Always close your email with a call-to-action. You want the recipient to walk away not just with a document, but with a reason to continue engaging with you.

Here are some examples:

• “After you take a look at the document, I’d love to chat. Feel free to book some time on my calendar: [meeting scheduling link]”
• “If you have any feedback or suggestions on the enclosed script, please drop them in Google Docs.”
• “I’d love to hear what you think. Is there anything you’d like to revise?”
• “After you review the contract, I’d love to check in. Are you available on Friday, January 16 for a follow-up call?”

With a call-to-action, you’ll ensure that the document isn’t just “hanging out,” but is actioned upon.

The Phrase “Please Find Attached” is Out

“Please find attached” is an outdated, clunky phrase. With the alternatives we shared above, you’ll write much more concise attachment emails and get more responses from prospects.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.