Adding documents to emails is a common practice in both personal and professional settings. Whether it's a resume, a report, or a photo, attachments are often a crucial part of the message being sent. Being clear and careful when adding documents to emails is essential to avoid misunderstandings.

"Please find attached" is a simple yet effective phrase that signals to the recipient that an important document is included with the email. However, there are more professional and effective alternatives you can say when you need to add an attachment to an email.

Knowing how to properly say "please find attached" can make the process smoother, help you appear more professional, and ensure that your attachments don't go unnoticed.

In this article, we'll cover the meaning of "please find attached", when you should say it, different ways to say it, and provide 15 templates you can use to get started today.

"Please find attached" is a phrase commonly used in emails to let the recipient know that an attachment is included with the email. It's a polite way of drawing attention to the additional files you've sent. The phrase is often placed before or after the main body of the email, usually near the end, to make sure the recipient doesn't overlook the attachment.

"Please find attached" is a common phrase used in emails to alert the recipient that an important document is included, ensuring it doesn't go overlooked.

The phrase is formal and widely accepted in professional settings. It's like the digital equivalent of handing someone a document in a meeting while saying, "Here you go." It's straightforward and gets the job done, but there are other ways to say it, which we'll explore later.

The phrase is not just about politeness; it's also about clarity. When you say "please find attached," you're making it clear that there's something extra that the recipient should look at. This helps avoid any confusion and ensures that the attachment doesn't go unnoticed.

Understanding the different scenarios where "please find attached" is appropriate is crucial for effective email communication. Knowing when to use this phrase helps you set the right tone and ensures that your attachments are given the attention they deserve.

Here are a few common times when you should say "please find attached":

If you're emailing work-related documents like reports, proposals, or invoices, it's a good idea to use "please find attached." This makes it clear that you've included something important that needs the recipient's attention.

When applying for a job, you'll often need to send your resume and cover letter via email. Using "please find attached" ensures that the hiring manager knows to look for these crucial documents.

If you're sending resources like articles, guides, or how-to manuals, "please find attached" can be a helpful phrase. It signals that you're providing additional information that the recipient may find useful.

Just as it's important to know when to use "please find attached," it's equally crucial to understand when not to use this phrase. Being aware of these situations can help you communicate more effectively and avoid potential confusion or misunderstandings.

Here are common scenarios in which you shouldn't say "please find attached":

The most obvious scenario where you shouldn't use "please find attached" is when there are no attachments included in the email. Saying so would confuse the recipient and make you appear careless.

In casual or informal emails, especially with friends or family, the phrase might come off as overly formal. A simple "I've sent you the file" or "Check out the picture I sent" would be more fitting.

If the main point of your email is contained within the email body itself and doesn't require additional documents for context or clarification, then there's no need to use "please find attached." In such cases, the phrase would be irrelevant and could confuse the recipient.

If you're sending multiple attachments that serve different purposes, it might be better to specify what each attachment is rather than using a generic "please find attached." This provides clarity and ensures that each attachment gets the attention it deserves.

While "please find attached" is a classic and widely accepted phrase, it's not the only way to indicate you've attached something to an email.

Here are different ways to say "please find attached":

The phrase "Please see attached" is another commonly used alternative to "Please find attached." It's a bit less formal but still clear and professional. Some people prefer this phrase because it's more direct and modern, cutting down on what might be seen as unnecessary formality.

However, whether it's "better" to say largely depends on the context and the relationship you have with the recipient. In a more formal setting, or when communicating with someone for the first time, "Please find attached" might be the safer bet. It's a phrase that has been used for years and is universally understood.

If the email conversation is more casual or if you have an established relationship with the recipient, "Please see attached" can work just as well.

Ultimately, both phrases serve the same purpose: they alert the recipient to an attachment. The choice between the two comes down to the tone you want to set. If you're aiming for a more traditional, formal tone, "Please find attached" fits the bill. If you're going for a slightly more relaxed but still professional tone, "Please see attached" is a good option.

Saying "please find attached" in a professional manner is more than just a courtesy; it's an integral part of effective communication. When you use this phrase professionally, you're not only being polite but also ensuring that your message is clear and your attachments don't go unnoticed.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Place the phrase near the end of the email to ensure it's not overlooked.

Make sure the attachment is relevant to the email's subject and content.

If the email has multiple attachments, specify what each one is.

Use a formal tone if the email is for professional purposes.

Most important: always double-check to ensure you've actually attached the file.

Check out our article 5 Email Templates for Sending Documents for more tips about including documents in emails!

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Having a set of ready-to-use templates can be a real time-saver when you're sending emails that include attachments. These templates help you get straight to the point, ensuring that your recipient knows to look for the attached document.

They also add a layer of professionalism to your emails, making you appear more organized and thoughtful. Whether you're sending a report to a colleague or a resume to a potential employer, these templates offer a quick and effective way to say "please find attached," leaving no room for confusion.

Note that each template uses a different method of saying "please find attached."

Copy templates to use them anywhere:

Please find attached the {formtext: name=document name; default=Q4 roundup; cols=12} document for your review.

Best,

Please see the attached file for the {formtext: name=document name; default=meeting minutes; cols=15}.

Best,

Attached is the {formtext: name=document name; default=invoice; cols=8} for the services rendered.

Regards,

I've attached the {formtext: name=document name; default=slide deck; cols=12} for tomorrow's meeting.

Regards,

Enclosed, please find the {formtext: name=document name; default=signed contract; cols=15}.

Regards,

Kindly find attached the {formtext: name=document name; default=project timeline; cols=15}.

Regards,

See attached for the {formtext: name=document name; default=trip itinerary; cols=12}.

Sincerely,

I'm attaching the {formtext: name=document name; default=completed form; cols=15}.

Best,

Attached for your review is the {formtext: name=document name; default=full proposal; cols=12}.

Regards,

Please check the attached document for the {formtext: name=document name; default=financial data; cols=12}.

Sincerely,

Attached as requested is the {formtext: name=document name; default=style guide; cols=12}.

Best,

I have included the {formtext: name=document name; default=mockup doc; cols=12} for your feedback.

Regards,

Included is the {formtext: name=document name; default=list of attendees; cols=15} for the event.

Sincerely,

Find the attached {formtext: name=document name; default=project brief; cols=12} for your reference.

Regards,

Knowing how to properly say "please find attached" in emails is a simple but important part of email etiquette. It ensures that your recipient knows to look for an attachment and what that attachment is. Whether you stick with the classic "please find attached" or opt for one of the many alternatives, the key is to be clear and professional.

Use Text Blaze to automate repetitive typing, create useful email templates, and boost productivity today!

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