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" Meaning

"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.

When to Say "Please Find Attached"

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":

Sending Work Documents

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.

Job Applications

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.

Sharing Resources

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.

When to NOT Say "Please Find Attached"

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":

No Attachments Included

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.

Informal Communication

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.

When the Email IS the Message

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.

Multiple Attachments with Different Purposes

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.

Different Ways to Say "Please Find Attached"

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":

• Attached is...
• I've attached...
• Enclosed, please find...
• Kindly find attached...
• Please see attached...
• Please see the attached file for...
• I'm attaching...
• Attached for your review...
• Attached for your convenience...
• Please check the attached...
• Attached as requested...
• I have included...
• Included is...
• Find the attached...
• Please review the attached...
• Attached you will find...
• I've included for your review...
• Please note the attached...
• Attached, you'll see...

Is "Please See Attached" Better to Say?

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.

How to Professionally Say "Please See Attached Documents"

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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15 Email Templates to Help You Say "Please Find Attached"

Having a set of ready-to-use templates can be a real time-saver when you're sending emails that include attachments.

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."

Basic Document Review Template

This template cuts straight to the point for document review requests. Its simplicity makes it perfect for routine document sharing.

Purpose-Specific Template

Immediately communicates why you're sending the attachment. Great for providing context upfront.

Services Documentation Template

A professional way to send service-related documents. Perfect for contractors and service providers.

Meeting Preparation Template

Sets clear expectations for meeting preparation. Helps participants come prepared with the right materials.

Formal Enclosure Template

Uses traditional business language for formal communications. Ideal for official correspondence.

Courteous Request Template

Maintains professionalism while being polite and approachable. Works well in most business contexts.

Casual Direct Template

Gets straight to the point while maintaining a friendly tone. Best for colleagues you work with regularly.

Active Voice Template

Takes ownership of the action and clearly states what you're doing. Makes communication clear and direct.

Review Request Template

Explicitly states the need for review while remaining professional. Perfect for when feedback is needed.

Verification Template

Prompts the recipient to actively check the attachment. Useful when confirmation of receipt is important.

Response Template

Acknowledges a previous request while delivering the document. Great for follow-up communications.

Feedback Request Template

Clear and direct about needing feedback on the attached document. Sets expectations for response.

Event Documentation Template

Simple and effective for event-related attachments. Gets straight to the point without unnecessary detail.

Reference Material Template

A straightforward way to share reference documents. Works well for providing supporting materials.

Communicate Effectively Via Email With "Please Find Attached"

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.

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