Include/Attach Option

The Include/Attach -> option enables you to include an external file in the message you are currently composing. This is one of the most powerful features of the MIME specification. The data in the external file can be of any type. It will be marked with identifying information such that the recipient's mail tool can present the data appropriately. For example, if you include an audio clip and the recipient reads the message with a MIME-capable mail tool, the audio clip will be played through the system's speakers.

There are several options available when adding data from an external file to your message:

You can expand the contents of the file in-line in your message, at the point where the cursor is positioned.

NOTE:
This is intended for files containing ASCII text. It's not very useful to expand non-ASCII data in-line, but you can if you want.

You can add the file to your message as an icon, which is inserted into the text at the point where the cursor is located. The icon will flow with the text as new text is typed.

NOTE:
Different icons are used to represent different data types. You can also edit the label on the icon to describe the contents of the file. Icons Representing Included Files shows examples of icons that represent included GIF, JPEG, binary, PostScript, MPEG, and U-LAW audio files in a Composition window.
You can specify that the file is to be included as part of the message, or attached to the message with a pointer. Attaching a file with a pointer is useful for mailing messages containing large external files, so you don't need to worry about overflowing the recipient's mail spool directory with a huge mail message.
You can specify the data type of the file being included. Ishmail makes a guess about the data type, based on file name suffix. You can override the guessed type, as well as extend the list of possible data types.

Include File Menu Sequence

When you click the Include/Attach -> option, a cascading menu appears from which you select the inclusion or attachment that you want to include in your message. The figure shows the menus available from the Include/Attach -> option.

Figure: Include/Attach Option in the Composition Window

The available file type options are:

File(s) ...

This is the general purpose option for including or attaching an external file. When you select this option the Include/Attach File dialog is opened.

Message ...

This is a special case option of including a message from the current folder. When you select this option the Include Message dialog is opened. You will be prompted for the number of the message you want to include.

TIP:
You may find it more convenient to click on a message in the Folder Contents area, drag it into the Composition window, and drop it where you want. See Using Drag-and-Drop.

Signature ->

This is a special case option for including your signature file into the message. When you select this option another cascading menu appears, which lets you select from among possible signature files.

TIP:
This option lets you include your signature anywhere in the message. Clicking the Add signature button near the bottom of the Composition window causes the signature to be added to the end of the message when it is sent.

Preceding Section: Spelling Checker Option
Following Section: Including or Attaching an External File
Parent Section: Composition Message Menu
Contents of Ishmail User's Guide