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Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail

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Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail preview
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Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

The built in Gmail node doesn't yet support embedding images within the body of the email, but you can pull this off using the HTTP node, and this template shows you how. Requirements A Gmail accou...

Best for

  • Personal Productivity automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.set, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.extractfromfile, n8n-nodes-base.stickynote

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by David Roberts.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail
Workflow name
Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail

The built-in Gmail node doesn't yet support embedding images within the body of the email, but you can pull this off using the HTTP node, and this template shows you how.

Requirements

  • A Gmail account

How it works

The workflow downloads an image, converts it into the format that the Gmail API expects (base64), packages it into a multipart MIME email and uses the HTTP node to send it.

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - When clicking "Test workflow"

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger - manualTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Compose message

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.3

Block 3 - Send message

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.2

Block 4 - Get image

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices
Version 4.2

Block 5 - Message settings

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 3.3

Block 6 - Convert image to base64

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.extractFromFile - extractFromFile
Config choices
Version 1

Block 7 - Sticky Note

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 8 - Sticky Note1

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 9 - Sticky Note2

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

Block 10 - Sticky Note3

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices
Version 1

3. Summary Table

Workflow Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 10
Categories Personal Productivity
Author David Roberts
Published 05 Jun 2024

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/2280/2280.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Send a message with an inline embedded image with Gmail do?

The built in Gmail node doesn't yet support embedding images within the body of the email, but you can pull this off using the HTTP node, and this template shows you how. Requirements A Gmail accou...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Personal Productivity use case.