How to Extract Attachments from Gmail – Best Methods

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  • Updated on
    December 9th, 2025
  • Read Time
    5 minutes
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Summary: To optimize the storage space in the Gmail mailbox, removing large attachments will be beneficial. Doing this will enhance Gmail’s performance and make space for more email messages. But to extract attachments from Gmail in bulk has its own challenges. Whether you want to back up your emails or simply want more storage space, there are many trusted methods available to help you accomplish this. In the blog, we will discuss the most effective options for extracting your email attachments as well as some of the most reliable MCD Gmail Backup Tool to quickly and easily download all your attachments.

Why Download All Attachments in Gmail?

  • Attachments take up a big part of your Google storage. When you download them, you can easily avoid getting the “Storage Almost Full” alert.
  • You don’t need to dig through old emails to find a file. Once saved on your system, everything stays in one place.
  • When the files are stored on your computer, it becomes quicker to use them for work, share them, or make changes.
  • For people handling client tasks, college assignments, bills, or project reports, extracting Gmail attachments works like an extra backup.
  • Sorting, renaming, and organising files is much simpler when they’re on your device instead of inside Gmail.
  • Gmail has limits on file size and sometimes blocks certain formats. Saving them locally allows you to manage them without restrictions.

Manual Method to Extract Attachments from Gmail

You can use Google Takeout to save all your Gmail data, including attachments. Follow these steps

Steps to Extract all Attachments from Gmail:

  1. Firstly, open Gmail and click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
  2. ‘Then, choose “Manage your Google Account.
  3. After that, go to the Data & Privacy section and scroll down to “Download your data.
  4. Thereafter, this will open the Google Takeout page.
  5. By default, everything is selected, so uncheck all options and select only Gmail.
  6. Next, choose how you want to receive the file—select the delivery method, export frequency, file type, and file size.
  7. Afterwards, click on Create Export to start the process.
  8. Once the export is ready, Google will send a ZIP file to your email. You can download it and extract all your Gmail attachments from there.

Limitations:

  • The exported ZIP files are often very large, making them slow to download and extract.
  • You cannot pick specific labels, dates, or emails. Everything from Gmail is included.
  • You can’t run continuous or automatic attachment backups. Exports must be done manually.
  • Since all data is downloaded at once, you need enough free space on your computer.

Smart Way to Extract Attachments from Gmail

The Gmail Backup Tool gives you an easy way to save your Gmail emails and attachments in different formats. Whether you want to Download Emails from Gmail or back up your data to PST, MBOX, PDF, Office 365, Yahoo Mail, HostGator, and many other platforms, this tool makes the process seamless. It also provides an option to download attachments separately, especially in PDF format. The process is simple, and you can extract all your attachments in just a few quick steps.

Steps to Download Gmail Attachments in Bulk:

  1. Download and start the Gmail Backup Tool.
  2. Then, log in with your Gmail credentials.
  3. After that, select the files you want to export and click Next.
  4. Choose the format to export and apply the required filters.
  5. Finally, set the path and click the Convert button.

Conclusion

Extract Attachments from Gmail becomes much easier when you follow the right method. While Google Takeout works for basic needs, it can be slow, bulky, and unsuitable for selective downloads. If you deal with a heavy workload or need attachments regularly, using a dedicated Gmail Backup Tool is a far more convenient option. This tool allows you to extract your data in many file formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I extract all attachments from Gmail at once?

Ans: You can extract all Gmail attachments using Google Takeout or a professional Gmail Backup Tool. While Google Takeout downloads your entire mailbox in a ZIP file, a backup tool allows you to save attachments separately and in bulk with more control.

Q2. How do I download Gmail attachments in bulk without opening each email?

Ans: A Gmail Backup Tool is the easiest way to download attachments in bulk. It scans your account, collects all attachments, and lets you save them directly to your system in just a few steps.

Q3. Can I extract Gmail attachments without downloading emails?

Ans: Yes, a dedicated backup tool lets you extract only attachments without saving the complete email. You can choose the attachment-only option and export them in PDF or other supported formats.

Q4. Is Google Takeout a good option to extract Gmail attachments?

Ans: Google Takeout works for basic requirements, but it downloads the entire Gmail data, not just attachments. It also produces large ZIP files and does not support selective downloads. For regular backups, a professional tool is more practical.

About The Author

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery, and Migration Expert with over 6 years of experience in the software industry. He specializes in data migration solutions for Microsoft Outlook, Office 365, Google Workspace, and other popular email clients. Rohit regularly shares practical insights and technical guides to help users simplify complex email management tasks.

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