CC vs BCC: what is the difference?
CC copies people in where everyone can see them. BCC copies people in secretly. When to use each, with examples.
To is who the email is for. CC and BCC are people you want to keep in the loop.
CC: carbon copy
Everyone sees who was CC'd. Use CC when the person does not need to act, but should know.
Example: Priya emails a client about a delivery date and CCs her manager. The client can see the manager is aware.
BCC: blind carbon copy
Nobody sees who was BCC'd, except the sender. Use BCC to protect people's addresses or to copy someone quietly.
Examples:
- An announcement to 40 parents. Put them all in BCC so nobody gets everyone's address.
- Moving someone to BCC when you take over a thread: "Thanks for the intro, Alex. Moving you to BCC."
The reply-all trap
If someone in CC hits Reply all, everyone in To and CC gets the reply. A BCC'd person who hits Reply all reveals they were copied. Remind anyone you BCC to reply only to you.
How to add CC and BCC in Gmail
On a computer, click Cc or Bcc at the right of the To line. On the Gmail app, tap the small arrow next to the To line.
How to add CC and BCC in Perfect Mail
In a new email, click Cc Bcc next to the To line, or press ⌘⇧C. On a phone, tap the small arrow by the To line. When you reply from Triage, click Add Cc.