How do I attach a file to a message?

Attaching a file to a message on LinkedIn allows you to easily share documents, images, videos, and other files with your connections. Here are the steps to attach a file to a LinkedIn message:

On the LinkedIn Website

1. Go to the LinkedIn website and log into your account.
2. Click on “Messaging” at the top navigation bar.
3. Click on the “Compose message” button to start a new message.
4. In the message window, click on the paperclip icon next to the send button.
5. A window will open up allowing you to select a file from your computer to upload.
6. Navigate to the file you want to attach and select it.
7. Once selected, the file will begin uploading to LinkedIn’s servers.
8. When the upload is complete, the file will appear as an attachment inside your message.
9. You can attach multiple files by repeating this process.
10. When ready, click the send button to send the message with the attached file(s).

On the LinkedIn Mobile App

1. Open the LinkedIn app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the “My Network” tab at the bottom.
3. Tap on the “Compose message” button to start a new message.
4. Tap on the paperclip icon next to the send button.
5. You will be given the option to take a photo/video or select a file from your device.
6. To select a file, tap on “File” and you can then browse and select a file.
7. Tap on the file you want to attach. The file will begin uploading.
8. Once uploaded, the file will appear as an attachment in your message.
9. You can attach multiple files by repeating this process.
10. When ready, tap the send icon to send the message with the attached file(s).

Tips for Attaching Files to LinkedIn Messages

• Make sure the file size is under 25MB, the maximum that LinkedIn allows.
• Common file types like PDF, JPG, PNG, DOC/DOCX, PPT/PPTX are recommended.
• Avoid attaching too many files to a single message as this may overwhelm the recipient.
• Let the recipient know in your message text that you have attached files for them to review.
• Double check that you have attached the correct versions of the files before sending.
• For especially important files, follow up over phone or email to confirm the recipient got them.
• If attaching multiple files, consider compressing them into a ZIP file first for easier transfer.
• Be cautious about attaching files that contain sensitive or confidential data.
• Avoid generic file names like “document.pdf”. Use descriptive names.
• Preview files before sending to check that content displays properly.
• If the files do not need editing, consider converting them to PDFs first.
• Send a follow up message if the recipient does not download the files within a few days.

Troubleshooting File Attachments

If you are having issues attaching files to LinkedIn messages, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• If the file does not attach, make sure it is under 25MB in size.
• Check your internet connection and retry the file upload.
• Try compressing the file size or splitting into multiple attachments.
• If on mobile, check that you have granted LinkedIn access to your device storage.
• Close and restart the LinkedIn app if file attaching is not working.
• Update the LinkedIn app if an outdated version is causing issues.
• On desktop, disable any pop-up blockers that may prevent file uploading.
• If the file appears corrupted, re-download it and try attaching again.
• As a workaround, upload the file to Google Drive or Dropbox and paste the shareable link into your message.
• If none of the above helps, contact LinkedIn Customer Service for assistance.

Alternative Ways to Send Files on LinkedIn

In addition to attaching files directly to LinkedIn messages, here are some other ways you can share files and documents with your connections:

• Post the file in a LinkedIn group relevant to the topic and mention the connection in the post.
• Upload the file under your LinkedIn profile Media tab for connections to download.
• Publish the file as a blog post on LinkedIn’s Publishing Platform.
• Include a link to the file hosted on a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
• Develop a LinkedIn Showcase Page to feature portfolios, images, brochures, catalogs, etc.
• Screen record a video walking through the contents of the file and send the video.
• Provide access to the files on a sharing service like Microsoft SharePoint.
• Use file collaboration apps like Microsoft Teams, Dropbox Paper, Google Docs, etc.
• Extract the key insights from the file and paste them directly into your message.

The best option depends on the type, size, and purpose of the files you want to share. Utilize the method that allows for efficient transfer and collaboration while maintaining security policies.

Why Attaching Files to LinkedIn Messages is Useful

Here are some of the benefits of attaching files directly to LinkedIn messages versus other sharing methods:

• Integrated right within LinkedIn for quick and easy file transfer.
• Encrypted and secure method of sending sensitive documents.
• Recipients get a notification when receiving the message with attachment.
• Provides context to the file by including message text.
• Confirmation when recipient opens/downloads the attached file(s).
• Attachment remains connected to message thread for future reference.
• No need for external cloud services or drives to transfer files.
• Direct delivery of files to the recipient’s inbox.
• Allows attachments up to 25MB in size.
• Easier tracking compared to files links that can be anonymously accessed.

Overall, attaching files directly to LinkedIn messages is one of the simplest and most secure ways to share documents and information with your professional network.