You can edit file attachments directly within Outlook, either in your web browser or desktop Office app, or by downloading the file first.
Editing files attached to Outlook items like emails, calendar events, or tasks simplifies your workflow by allowing you to make changes without leaving your mailbox. The method you use depends on the type of file attached.
Methods for Editing Outlook Attachments
The primary ways to edit a file attachment in Outlook, based on the file type and your preferences, are:
- Edit in Browser or Office App: This is typically available for supported Microsoft Office file types (like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations) when using Outlook through a web browser or the desktop application. This method often allows for co-authoring and automatic saving.
- Download and Open: If the attachment is an unsupported file type or you prefer to edit it using a specific desktop application installed on your computer, you will need to download the file first.
According to the reference, Office files can be edited in the browser or the Office app. For other files, if you want to edit an attachment that's an unsupported file type, you'll have to download and open the file to edit it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Attachments
Here's how to access the editing options for an attachment within Outlook:
- Select the message, calendar item or task that contains your attachment. Open the Outlook item containing the file you want to edit.
- Locate the attachment within the item's content.
- Next to the attachment, select the arrow icon (often appears on hover or click) and choose Edit in Browser (or a similar option like 'Open' or 'Edit').
This action will typically open the file in the appropriate Office Online application (like Word Online, Excel Online) within your web browser, or prompt you to open it in the corresponding desktop Office application if you have it installed.
For unsupported file types, after selecting the message, you would choose a 'Download' option instead of 'Edit in Browser'.
Comparing Editing Methods
Here's a quick overview of the two approaches:
| Method | File Type | Location of Editing | Collaboration Features | Requires Download? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edit in Browser/App | Supported Office files (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx) | Web Browser or Desktop App | Often available | No |
| Download and Open | Unsupported file types | Desktop application on your PC | Varies by application | Yes |
Choosing 'Edit in Browser' is often the most convenient way to quickly make changes to standard Office documents attached to your Outlook items without cluttering your downloads folder. Remember that for unsupported files, downloading is the necessary first step before editing.
