I have been using Gmail for my personal email account for over 10 years now and I realize that I still regularly discover new things or tips to use it even better.
Gmail has an attractive interface and comes with a number of features that give it an edge over many competing webmails and even some email clients. What's more, its popularity prompts developers to regularly offer extensions and plugins.
Top 6 Features of Gmail Labs
Alongside the classic Gmail features, Google has left room for developers to offer new features. Rigorously selected by Google, these can be activated in a place called Gmail Labs. To get there, click on the small gear at the top right of your Gmail window then go to Settings. Once on the settings page, click on the tab Labs.
Here is a selection of 6 features that we recommend you activate:
Mark as read button
By enabling this option, you add a very practical button that allows you to mark your emails as read without having to go through the “More” menu.
Authentication icon associated with validated senders
This feature helps improve your security by adding a small key icon next to authenticated messages from certain senders who are regularly the target of identity theft attempts by spammers... Ideal for avoiding clicking on fraudulent email links from Amazon copies or others!
Standardized responses
A very practical solution when you regularly send standard messages. Store your email templates and reuse them with one click on a dedicated button!
This tool also allows you to automatically send emails using filters.
Preview pane
If you work a lot with Outlook or other email software you are probably used to having a mail viewer pane next to or below the email list.
This eliminates the need to open emails in a new window, and you can choose to display the reading pane vertically or horizontally.
Unread message icon
This option is also very practical since it allows you to display the number of unread emails on the Gmail icon that appears on your browser tab!
You can see at a glance if you have new messages, without even activating your Gmail inbox tab.
Auto advance
Gmail will now automatically show the next (or previous depending on what you set) conversation instead of returning to your inbox when you delete, archive, or ignore a message.
3 Must-Have Extensions for Gmail
In addition to this, it is worth remembering that there are many browser extensions specifically developed for Gmail that will help you be more productive.
Gmail Offline
Gmail Offline is a Chrome extension that will allow you to work on your mailbox when you don't have an Internet connection. Ideal if you are often on the move to prepare your emails. Once the network is found. All your offline operations will be synchronized and your emails will be sent.
Checker Plus for Gmail
Checker Plus for Gmail is also reserved for Chrome users. This extension allows you to receive notifications on your computer every time you receive an email on Gmail. You can even read and delete your emails without opening Gmail.
Boomerang
Boomerang is an extension for Chrome, Firefox and Safari that will allow you to schedule your emails to be sent later. In addition to this, you can use Boomerang to receive reminders about certain emails that have remained unanswered or even archive messages that you want to deal with later and bring them out again at a given date.
And there you have it, with all these tools, you will be able to make the most of Gmail and optimize your mailbox to save time and be much more efficient.
If you see any other must-have extensions and think of any other tips, please let us know in the comments!
Article updated on December 6, 2023 by Byothe
