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."
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.
Option 1: Attach the file with no explanation.
If the sole purpose of your email is sending an attachment, cut the phrase entirely.
Example:
Hey Marley,
Nearly doubled my connect call conversion rate this month. I'm still a little shaky on demos; planning on doing some extra prep for my next ones. Looking forward to discussing with you.
- Jackie

Option 2: "Here is"
You can also opt for "here's [title of the attachment.]" Short and sweet.
Example:
Hi Saleh,
Great talking to you today and learning more about Kensington's plans to expand into the French market. Here's the pricing information you asked for.
Let me know if you have any questions before our call tomorrow.
- Jackie

Option 3: "I've attached"
This is another simple, non-jargon-y alternative.
Example:
Hello Karim,
Congratulations on the promotion! I've worked with many People Ops directors (including LiveHire and 25/8) and know one of your first priorities is often increasing employee survey participation. I've attached an ebook with some helpful strategies -- page 32 in particular has good ideas.
Would love to discuss how you could apply these to Granted; if you're open to that, here's a link to my calendar: [Link to Meetings tool.]
Cheers,
Jackie

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:
George,
Hope your trip went well and you got in plenty of beach time. This report shows the impact of effective sales training on quota attainment; might be useful to show to your boss if she's looking for potential ROI.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Liz,
I did a little digging and found the answers to your questions. I'm sharing a PDF with you that lists our reselling policies. Let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Elena,
Thanks for telling me a little more about ABC's goals and challenges this year. You'll find the proposal we spoke about attached below.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Nesima,
Here are the white papers we spoke about this morning. Please let me know if you have any questions about the attachments.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Michelle,
Thank you for your time this afternoon. The report you requested is attached to this email.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Jason,
We look forward to having you join us at the conference. All event details are outlined in the document attached.
Sincerely,
Jackie

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:
Hi Lily,
The attached catalog includes the new products launching in 2020. Please let me know your selections so we can proceed.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Hi Erin,
Thank you for your insightful questions in today's meeting! When you review the attached spreadsheet, you will see a full breakdown of the metrics we covered. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Hi Cleo,
Thank you for attending our monthly check-in. Please see the attached presentation for more details about last month's performance.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Hi Eckhart,
Our team is developing our next catalog and would like your feedback on which design you prefer.
Please take a look at the attached samples and let me know which you think is better by 5:00 PM PST, on Wednesday November 6.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Dear Zoey,
Thank you for time during today's interview. I appreciated your thoughtful questions and am honored to be a candidate for the sales manager position. Attached herewith this email are my professional references.
Best,
Jackie

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:
Hey Adam,
I'm following up on our conversation yesterday. I've linked our pricing page here [insert link] -- let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jackie

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:
Hi Bailey,
Thanks for downloading "10 Growth Hacking Ideas to Try." I've helped many small businesses like Danielson Design transform their marketing initiatives into lucrative campaigns. For reference, I've appended a client's case study below. Together, we grew their customer base by 30% in a period of six months.
If you're interested in implementing some of these strategies, I'd love to share more. Here's a link to my calendar: [Insert calendar link].
All the best,
Jackie

Option 17: "Please see the enclosed … "
This is a bit formal, but it's helpful when attaching important documents that require action.
Example:
Hi Sarah,
I'm excited to continue working with you to revolutionize Quinn Industries' warehouse efficiency. Please see the enclosed contract and let me know if you and your team have any questions.
Thank you,
Jackie

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:
Hey Adam,
Thanks for your time today. I've added notes from our call to this email, along with key takeaways and action items. Reach out with any questions before our next meeting on Tuesday, October 16 at 2:00 PM.
- Jackie

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:
Hi Candace,
I look forward to continuing our partnership in 2020. The enclosed proposal shows the deliverables we would like to offer moving forward. Here's a link to my calendar [insert calendar link] — schedule a meeting at your soonest convenience to discuss next steps.
Sincerely,
Jackie

Option 20: "Enclosed is..."
This is a simple way to indicate a document needs the reader's attention without saying "attached."
Example:
Hi Sacha,
Thank you for participating in our 2019 end-user survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Enclosed is a token of our appreciation for providing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jackie

These "please find attached" alternatives will make your emails feel less stiff and stilted. Small words, big impact.
P.S. Do you know what else is unnecessary? Countless email exchanges to schedule a meeting. Use our meeting scheduling tool to keep your emails laser focused.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2, 2017 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
