If you are used to using keyboard shortcuts on your office programs (the famous Ctrl+c / Ctrl+v, for example), you are certainly aware of the time saving that this can bring you.
But did you know that on Gmail, there is also A certain number of keyboard shortcuts ? So here are 6 Gmail keyboard shortcuts that should improve your productivity and all of which work with the “Shift” key (the key with the up arrow and which allows you to type capital letters) also called Shift on English keyboards.
Enable Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts
First of all, you will need to enable the use of shortcuts in the Gmail settings. To do this, please go to the settings from Gmail by clicking on the small cogwheel at the top right of the interface and then clicking on See all settings.
In the tab General, go down to Keyboard shortcuts and select Activate keyboard shortcuts...
Indeed, some shortcuts work permanently, but others require this option to be enabled to be operational.
Shift + Click
This shortcut actually combines two Gmail features: the ability to select multiple emails at once and the ability to open an email in a separate window.
Select multiple emails
Just like on your computer, when you hold down the key May (Shift) and click on the boxes to the right of your email list, you will be able to select several easily.
While holding down the Shift key, click the box next to the first email and then click the box next to another email further down to select all the ones in between.
Open an email in a pop-up window
When you want read a message in Gmail, it opens large in the mail window, leaving only access to your folders on the left side.
If you click on an email in your mailbox while holding down the May, this message will open in a new window completely independent from the Gmail tab.
This feature is especially useful if you need to see the contents of your Gmail inbox while viewing your message.
Shift + c: new pop-up message
Creating a new message in gmail goes through opening a composition window overlaying your mailbox… but it’s not always super practical.
The combination Shift + c will simply allow you to create a new email in a pop-up window.
Alternatively, if you just want to create a new message, the key c will open your new mail in speed compose mode !
Finally by pressing d your new email will open in a new tab…
Shift + i: change a message to read
Very practical too, the combination Shift + i allows you to read a message (or a conversation).
To do this, simply check the box to the left of one or multiple posts and type Shift+i. All selected emails will be marked as read.
Shift + u: change a message to unread
Conversely, the combination Shift + u will allow you to change a message or conversation to “unread” !
Shift + t: Add an email to your to-do list
More anecdotal among the Gmail keyboard shortcuts, but essential for some, the combination Shift + t allows you to place your email in your google to-do list… Here too, you must check the box(es) and press the key combination.
This shortcut is very practical for keeping your important emails or those to be processed later handy!
AltGr + # : delete a message
If you want to do some cleaning, the shortcut AltGr+# (key 3 on the keyboard) will allow you to delete all messages selected and send them to the trash where they will disappear permanently after 30 days.
Bonus: Shift + ? to see all shortcuts
This last shortcut can be very useful, since beyond the few shortcuts presented here, there are dozens that can make certain tasks easier for you.
By pressing Shift + ? (question mark) you are going to publish a sheet displaying the list of all shortcuts usable in Gmail ! Not bad, right?
And you, do you use Gmail keyboard shortcuts? Which ones seem the most essential to you?
I happened to make two interesting discoveries, which only require the pressing of a single key:
– pressing the 'D' key directly opens a New Message window, in full screen (I agree: why a D??);
– pressing the 'R' key while reading an email immediately opens a reply message.
A+
Super practical! Thanks 😉