> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.nightfall.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.nightfall.ai/data-encryption/gmail/compose-limitations.md).

# Compose limitations

Images Nightfall cannot encrypt in Gmail, and the compose tools that are hidden while encryption is on.

When **Encrypt with Nightfall AI** is turned on, Nightfall encrypts the message text and file attachments. Nightfall cannot encrypt images that are embedded in the message body. Those images are left out of the encrypted email, and the Gmail tools that insert them are hidden.

### Inline images

Nightfall does not encrypt images placed inside the email body. This includes:

* Images pasted into the message
* Images added with **Insert photo**, **Google Drive**, or the emoji control
* Images in a Gmail signature, such as a company logo

When you turn encryption on:

* Those images are removed from the message that is encrypted and sent.
* Recipients do not see them in Gmail or in Nightfall Secure Reader.
* The space where the image was can remain blank.
* Turning encryption off before you send brings the images back in the compose window.
* Text in the message and text in your signature are still encrypted and delivered.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Turning on **Introduction** does not keep a signature image. Text in the Introduction section is not encrypted, but the signature stays in the encrypted part of the message, and images there are removed.
{% endhint %}

### Compose tools hidden while encryption is on

Nightfall hides the Gmail controls that insert content it cannot encrypt:

* **Insert photo**
* **Google Drive**
* **Emoji**

On a reply, the **More options** menu (the three-dot overflow control that contains those tools) is hidden as well. Turn encryption off to use those controls again.

### What you can still send

* The text of the email, including a text-only signature
* Files added with the attachment (paperclip) control. These are encrypted as attachments, which is separate from an image embedded in the body.
* **Disable forwarding**, **Set expiration**, **Persistent protection**, and **Introduction**

To include an image in an encrypted email, attach it as a file. If your signature uses a logo, use a text-only signature for encrypted mail, or expect the logo to be omitted from the encrypted message.


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