Printing every attachment in an Outlook email at once saves time when you need physical copies. If you are wondering how to print all attachments in outlook without opening each file individually, you have come to the right place. This guide covers multiple methods, from built-in Outlook features to third-party tools, ensuring you never waste time on repetitive tasks again.
Many users struggle with printing multiple attachments because Outlook does not offer a direct “print all” button. However, with a few simple tricks, you can batch print attachments in seconds. Whether you use Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, or the web version, these steps work seamlessly.
Why Printing All Attachments At Once Matters
Printing attachments one by one is tedious. You have to open each file, go to the print menu, and repeat the process. For business professionals handling dozens of emails daily, this eats up precious time. Batch printing eliminates that hassle.
Another reason is accuracy. When you print attachments individually, you might miss a file or print the wrong version. Batch printing ensures every attachment is captured in one go. Plus, it reduces the risk of errors in document management.
How To Print All Attachments In Outlook Using Built-In Features
Outlook does not have a native “print all attachments” button, but you can use workarounds. The most straightforward method involves saving attachments to a folder and printing them together. Here is how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Save All Attachments To A Folder
- Open the email containing the attachments you want to print.
- Click on the “File” menu in the top left corner.
- Select “Save Attachments” from the dropdown menu.
- A dialog box will appear listing all attachments. Click “Select All” or press Ctrl+A.
- Choose a destination folder on your computer and click “Save.”
This method works for any version of Outlook. It saves all attachments in their original formats, ready for printing.
Step 2: Print The Saved Attachments
- Navigate to the folder where you saved the attachments.
- Select all the files by pressing Ctrl+A.
- Right-click on any selected file and choose “Print” from the context menu.
- Your default printer will start printing each document one by one.
Note: This method works best for PDFs, Word documents, and images. For other file types, you may need to open them individually.
Step 3: Use The “Quick Print” Option
If you prefer not to save files first, you can use the “Quick Print” feature. However, this prints the entire email, including attachments, in a single document. This is not ideal if you want separate prints for each attachment.
To use Quick Print:
- Open the email.
- Press Ctrl+P or click the printer icon.
- Select your printer and click “Print.”
This method prints everything inline, meaning attachments appear as part of the email body. It is a quick fix but not recommended for professional documents.
Using Third-Party Tools To Print All Attachments
For a more efficient solution, third-party add-ins can automate the process. These tools integrate with Outlook and add a “Print All Attachments” button. Here are the best options.
Option 1: Outlook Attachment Printer Add-In
This free add-in adds a button to your Outlook ribbon. Once installed, you can select an email and click “Print All Attachments.” The tool sends each attachment to your printer without opening them.
- Download from the official Microsoft AppSource.
- Install and restart Outlook.
- Select the email with attachments.
- Click the “Print All Attachments” button in the ribbon.
This add-in supports PDF, Word, Excel, and image files. It also lets you choose which attachments to print, giving you control.
Option 2: CodeTwo Attachment Printer
CodeTwo offers a more advanced tool with batch printing capabilities. It works with multiple emails at once, not just one. You can select several emails and print all their attachments in one go.
- Install CodeTwo Attachment Printer from their website.
- Configure the settings to include or exclude file types.
- Select emails in your inbox.
- Right-click and choose “Print Attachments.”
This tool is ideal for power users who handle large volumes of attachments daily.
Option 3: VBA Macro For Printing Attachments
If you are comfortable with coding, you can create a VBA macro to print attachments. This is a free method but requires some technical know-how.
- Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA editor in Outlook.
- Insert a new module.
- Paste the following code:
Sub PrintAllAttachments()
Dim olMail As Outlook.MailItem
Dim olAttach As Outlook.Attachment
Dim strPath As String
Dim strFile As String
Set olMail = Application.ActiveExplorer.Selection.Item(1)
strPath = Environ("Temp") & "\"
For Each olAttach In olMail.Attachments
strFile = strPath & olAttach.FileName
olAttach.SaveAsFile strFile
Shell "cmd /c print /D:" & Chr(34) & "PrinterName" & Chr(34) & " " & Chr(34) & strFile & Chr(34), vbHide
Next olAttach
End Sub
- Replace “PrinterName” with your printer’s actual name.
- Run the macro by pressing F5.
This macro saves each attachment to a temporary folder and sends it to the printer. It is a powerful solution but requires careful setup.
How To Print All Attachments In Outlook Web Version
Outlook on the web (OWA) has limited features compared to the desktop app. However, you can still print attachments by downloading them first.
Step 1: Download Attachments From OWA
- Open the email in Outlook Web.
- Click the download icon next to each attachment.
- Save all files to a folder on your computer.
Alternatively, you can select multiple attachments by holding Ctrl and clicking each one. Then click “Download” to save them as a ZIP file.
Step 2: Print From The Downloaded Folder
- Extract the ZIP file if you downloaded a batch.
- Select all files in the folder.
- Right-click and choose “Print.”
This method is slower but works reliably for OWA users.
Tips For Printing Attachments Efficiently
To make the process even smoother, follow these best practices.
- Always check file types before printing. Some formats like .pages or .psd may not print correctly.
- Use a PDF printer if you want digital copies instead of physical ones.
- Set your default printer to the one you use most often to avoid selection errors.
- Organize attachments by email subject to avoid mixing up documents.
These tips save time and reduce frustration, especially when dealing with large batches.
Common Issues And Fixes
Sometimes printing attachments does not go as planned. Here are common problems and solutions.
Issue 1: Attachments Not Printing In Order
If attachments print in random order, rename them before printing. Add numbers to the file names (e.g., 01_Report.pdf, 02_Invoice.pdf). This ensures sequential printing.
Issue 2: Some Attachments Fail To Print
This usually happens with corrupted files or unsupported formats. Open each problematic file manually and print it. If the file is corrupted, request a resend from the sender.
Issue 3: Printer Not Responding
Check your printer connection and queue. Restart the printer and try again. If the issue persists, save attachments as PDFs and print later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print all attachments from multiple emails at once?
Yes, with third-party tools like CodeTwo Attachment Printer, you can select multiple emails and print all their attachments simultaneously. The built-in method requires saving files from each email separately.
Does Outlook have a “print all attachments” button?
No, Outlook does not have a native button for this. You must use workarounds like saving files or installing add-ins.
How do I print attachments from Outlook without opening them?
Use the “Save Attachments” feature to save files to a folder, then select all and right-click to print. Alternatively, install a third-party add-in for one-click printing.
Can I print attachments from Outlook on my phone?
Yes, but it is more limited. Open the email in the Outlook app, download each attachment, and use your phone’s print feature. For batch printing, use a computer.
Is there a free way to print all attachments in Outlook?
Yes, the built-in method of saving attachments to a folder and printing them is free. VBA macros are also free but require some setup.
Conclusion
Learning how to print all attachments in outlook does not have to be complicated. Whether you use the built-in save-and-print method, a third-party add-in, or a VBA macro, you can batch print attachments quickly. For most users, the save-and-print approach is the simplest and most reliable. Power users may prefer add-ins for extra efficiency. Try the methods outlined here and choose the one that fits your workflow best. With these techniques, you will never waste time printing attachments one by one again.