Consuming attachments in Gmail just got a bit easier. Google has recently announced that it’s in the process of removing the “Display all images” button from Gmail messages that include them. Instead, Gmail will simply just display the attachments within the message text, as opposed to forcing you to click “Display all images” to see what you just received. The .gif image below demonstrates how Gmail handled attachments before Google’s move, and how it will do so once the tweak is fully implemented.
Here’s what Google Product Manager John Rae-Grant had to say about the announcement.
“So what does this mean for you? Simple: your messages are more safe and secure, your images are checked for known viruses or malware, and you’ll never have to press that pesky “display images below” link again. With this new change, your email will now be safer, faster and more beautiful than ever.”
The changes will be made to the desktop version of Gmail, as well as the iOS and Android apps. However, those who prefer the old method of how Gmail approaches attachments can continue to lean on it by enabling the “Ask before displaying external images” option in the Settings-General menu.
Google will begin to roll out the change to the desktop version of Gmail starting today. It should hit the Gmail mobile app starting in “early 2014,” though an exact date has not been revealed.