Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

Which icon is commonly used to signify the option to attach files in email clients?

1. Folder

2. Paperclip

3. Lock

4. Checkmark

The correct answer is: Paperclip

The icon that is commonly used to signify the option to attach files in email clients is the paperclip. This symbol has become widely recognized in digital communication as an indicator that users can add or attach documents, images, or other files to their emails. The association with the paperclip makes intuitive sense because it is an everyday object known for holding multiple pieces of paper together, just as the attachment feature allows users to combine files with their email messages. In the context of email functionality, other icons serve different purposes. For example, a folder usually represents options related to organizing or moving messages rather than attaching files. A lock typically symbolizes security or privacy features, often relating to encryption or protected content, while a checkmark might indicate the completion or approval of tasks but does not relate to file attachments. Thus, the paperclip stands out as the universally accepted standard for indicating the attachment function in email applications.