When you just want to check the content quickly
Not every attachment needs to be saved -- often you just need to confirm a date on a scanned document, glance at a photo, or check a spreadsheet before deciding whether to keep it. Previewing directly in the browser skips the download-open-decide cycle entirely, saving both time and storage.
What kinds of files this works for
Preview support covers the file types people deal with most often day to day -- images, PDFs, and common office documents like word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation files, along with a look inside compressed archive file lists. A handful of more specialized or unusual file formats still require downloading to open properly, but for everyday attachments, preview covers the vast majority of cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every file type be previewed?
Most common formats -- images, PDFs, office documents, and archive file listings -- support preview, but some more specialized file formats still need to be downloaded to open.
Can I download the file directly from the preview screen?
Yes -- a download icon sits in the top-right corner of the preview screen, so you can save the file right there if you decide you need it after checking it.