How do I add attachments to email that are sent as automations?

I’d like to create lead magnets. When a contact joins my listing, I’d like to send them an email after a couple of minutes that contains a PDF.

I see how to send automations. I also see how to add attachments in campaigns.

However, I do not see the same ability to add attachments to emails that are part of an automation.

Thank you in advance.

It would be much better to host the PDF somewhere and then send a link to it, I think.

Hi @stratnavapp

Thanks for the reply.

I’m curious to understand why it’s better to save the PDF somewhere and send a link to it.

I’ve considered these points:

  • The inability to add attachments to automation emails seems like an omission on Breva’s part because they have the feature on campaign emails; so it seems like a technical and cognitive disconnect.

  • Automations seem particularly suited for lead generation (ex. When a user signs up, send them this PDF). Lead magnets are recommended as fundamental to a marketing/list-building strategy, so I would think the capability would be central to Brevo’s offering.

  • Brevo’s DNA seems to be about offering convenience to users by combining not only email services, but other communications such as calls, meetings, conversations, etc. Why then would it implicitly encourage users to manage their email workflow with another service? It’s a disjointed user experience (UX).

  • Last, hosting the PDF is inherently less secure (to be sure, not a major concern). Anyone with the link to the PDF can download it, whereas attaching it to the email automation makes it self-contained.

But I may have overlooked something more compelling. I’m always open to reading others’ experiences; I might have my « aha moment ».

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks again. :folded_hands:t5:

There are a few reasons for sending a link rather than an attachment, I think.

  1. Deliverability: especially if you’re not a well-known sender, an email with a link is less likely to get blocked by a spam filter.
  2. Security: you can secure a link - especially important for sensitive content.
  3. Insight: you can track who opens and link and when, etc.
  4. Storage: stop clogging up email servers with large files (see also point 1 above)
  5. Control: you can update the content of a link afterwards (to make corrections, updates or even withdraw it)
  6. Perception: it just seems more profession (that may just be me, though). Emailing files around is very last century. :wink:

@stratnavapp Thanks for the reply.

What specific technique have you used for securing links? I mean, the days of access files for password protection are long gone. What elegant UI/UX flow works well in 2025?

Thanks

I already run a web-service where users login using either:

  1. Single Signon (from Google)
  2. Email + password

So it’s not really a problem for me.

The right solution for you will depend on your broader use case.

You could try some sort of passwordless system, where it emails a link with a time-limited access-token embedded.

Thanks @stratnavapp I’ve started playing with adding a link to my emails to deliver lead magnets, rather than as attachments.

I already run a web-service where users login using either:

  1. Single Signon (from Google)
  2. Email + password

Your approach is interesting, and I think a little different from my scenario. I’m looking at creating lead magnets available to any visitor to my site. I’m guessing your usecase is different?

Wouldn’t requiring any sort of login add friction to a lead process?

Hello @sjordan,
Using the new automation editor, you can attach one file with a limit of 5MB to your emails. The process is described in our help article: https://help.brevo.com/hc/en-us/articles/24257124386066-Send-an-email-from-an-automation#01JJPQCKDN0C2A7TD6JQXEZAF0 (under the dropdown titled Sending and tracking).
Or, as @stratnavapp mentioned, you can host the file somewhere else and link it directly in the email.
Hope I could help!

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Thank you @deborah_m I’ll check out your suggestion. I’m assuming the new editor is updated since I originally posted my question. :folded_hands:t5:

Also, if you have a chance to check this question, it would be much appreciated:

Best,

@sjordan you’re very welcome! I also answered your other post :slight_smile: