# 3.2. The Composer Window

The Composer window is used to write new messages. It can be invoked from the File Menu or from the document icon on the Mail Reader window button bar. If you have not set the location of your signature file and you have Automatically Append Signature checked in the Composer tab of the Settings dialog, you will be prompted for the location of your signature file before the Composer window opens.

## 3.2.1. Composing a Message

To write your message, fill in the appropriate fields in the Composer window. There are a variety of shortcuts to help you with writing you messages. The ellipses buttons next to the To:, cc:, and Bcc: fields will call up the addressbook so that you can select addresses from there instead of trying to remember them. When you are finished with your message, hit the Send button (the envelope) to queue or send the message.

## 3.2.2. Attachments

You can attach files to you message by using one of the methods below:

- Push the paper clip button and select the file you wish to attach.

- Drag a file from the desktop or another directory into the Composer window.

- Selecting one of the options in the Attach menu.

The Message Part Properties dialog will appear to prompt you for information about your attachment. The mime-type and file name fields are automatically filled in with the appropriate values. You should then select an encoding method for your file from the list of encoding options.

Once a file is attached to your message, it appears in the Attachments pane at the bottom of the Composer window. You may remove, save, or get information about an attachment by selecting its line in the Attachments pane and selecting Remove, Save, or Properties from the Attach menu.

PGP keys may also be attached to your message by using the appropriate options in the Attach menu. PGP key attachments are handled like file attachements.

## 3.2.3. Checking the Spelling of you Message

To check the spelling of your message, press the ABC checkmark button in the button bar or select Edit | Spellcheck... Kmail uses KSpell to check spelling, which is the KDE frontend to the the ispell spelling checker.