Introduction
Greetings, readers!
In today’s digital world, email communication is more prevalent than ever. When composing an email, you may need to include additional recipients who should receive a copy of the message but don’t necessarily need to take action. This is where the "CC" field comes into play. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to CC someone in Gmail, covering various scenarios and tips to make your email communication more efficient.
Understanding the CC Field
What is CC?
The "CC" field in an email stands for "Carbon Copy." It’s used to send a copy of an email message to one or more additional recipients who are interested in the conversation or need to be informed about its contents.
How to Use the CC Field
To CC someone in Gmail, simply enter their email address(es) in the "CC" field located below the "To" field. You can add multiple recipients by separating their email addresses with commas.
CCing in Different Gmail Interfaces
Classic Gmail
If you’re using the classic Gmail interface, follow these steps to CC someone:
- Open the email compose box.
- Click in the "To" field and start typing the recipient’s name or email address.
- When the recipient’s name appears in the auto-suggest list, press the Tab key.
- The cursor will move to the "CC" field, where you can enter additional recipient(es) by following the same steps.
New Gmail
In the new Gmail interface, the process of CCing someone is slightly different:
- Open the email compose box.
- Click the "Compose" icon in the top-right corner.
- In the "To" field, start typing the recipient’s name or email address.
- When the recipient’s name appears, click it to select them.
- To add a recipient to the "CC" field, click the "CC" icon above the message body and enter their email address(es).
Tips for Effective CCing
Use CC Sparingly
Use the CC field selectively to avoid overwhelming recipients with unnecessary emails. Only CC individuals who genuinely need to be informed or who may find the message valuable.
Include a Reason for CCing
If you’re CCing someone who may not be immediately familiar with the conversation, include a brief note in the email body explaining why you’re including them. This helps provide context and eliminates the risk of confusion.
Use BCC for Sensitive Information
If you need to send an email to multiple recipients but want to keep specific recipients confidential, use the "BCC" (Blind Carbon Copy) field instead of CC. BCC recipients will receive a copy of the email without their email addresses being visible to other recipients.
Common CCing Scenarios
Sharing Information
CC someone when you want to provide them with information that may be relevant or useful to them, even if they don’t need to take immediate action.
Requesting Input
CC someone when you’re seeking their opinion or feedback on a matter that they have expertise in or are involved in.
Keeping Someone in the Loop
CC someone when you want to keep them updated on a conversation or project, even if they’re not directly involved.
Markdown Table: CCing Summary
| Feature | Classic Gmail | New Gmail |
|---|---|---|
| Field Location | Below "To" field | Above message body |
| How to Add | Press Tab after typing recipient name | Click "CC" icon and enter email address |
| Use Sparingly | Yes | Yes |
| Include Reason | Yes | Yes (recommended) |
| Use BCC for Sensitivity | Not applicable | Yes |
Conclusion
Mastering the art of CCing in Gmail is a valuable skill that can streamline your email communication and ensure that the right people receive the right information. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can effectively use the CC field to keep your colleagues, clients, and friends informed and engaged.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our other helpful articles on Gmail, including "How to Create a Signature in Gmail" and "How to Send an Attachment in Gmail."
FAQ about How to CC Someone in Gmail
How do I CC someone in Gmail?
After drafting your email, click the "Cc" button. Enter the email address of the person you want to CC in the field provided.
What is the difference between CC and BCC?
CC (Carbon Copy) makes the recipient visible to all other recipients. BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) hides the recipient’s email address from other recipients.
Can I CC multiple people in Gmail?
Yes, you can add multiple email addresses to the "Cc" field. Separate each address with a comma or semicolon.
How can I add someone to CC after sending an email?
You cannot add someone to CC after sending an email in Gmail.
Can I remove someone from CC after sending an email?
No, you cannot remove someone from CC after sending an email in Gmail.
What happens when I CC someone?
CCing someone sends them a copy of the email. They will receive the email in their inbox and be able to reply to all recipients.
Can I CC someone without them knowing?
No, the recipient will be notified if they have been CCed on an email.
Is it considered rude to CC someone?
It is generally considered polite to CC someone if they are directly involved in the conversation or need to be kept informed. However, it can be considered rude to CC someone unnecessarily or without their permission.
Why is the "Cc" field grayed out in Gmail?
The "Cc" field may be grayed out if you are replying to a thread where you are not the original sender. In this case, you can only reply to the sender and not add anyone to CC.
What if I misspelled someone’s email address when CCing them?
If you misspell someone’s email address when CCing them, they will not receive a copy of the email. Double-check the email address before sending.
