40+ Useful Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts That Save Me Time

Gmail is undoubtedly the most popular email service in the world, with greatly over a billion users, and I’ve been using it for more than half my lifetime. Gmail’s interface and functionalities feel right at home, welcoming for both newbies and professionals. However, I recently decided to learn some of the most common Gmail keyboard shortcuts to see how they would affect my everyday workflow, and it has helped me save tons of time. So, here are the most useful Gmail keyboard shortcuts you should be using.

How to Turn on Keyboard Shortcuts on Gmail

Before we get to the keyboard shortcuts on Gmail, you must know how to turn them on in the first place. Yes, keyboard shortcuts are disabled by default. So, once you head over to Gmail on the web, here’s how to turn on keyboard shortcuts:

Best Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts

Although Gmail has a huge list of shortcuts, you won’t need a good chunk of them ever. So, we have handpicked the most useful Gmail keyboard shortcuts that you should know. While these shortcuts are mostly similar on Windows and Mac, you just need to swap out Control for Command for some actions.Gmail Keyboard ShortcutsWindowsMacView Gmail keyboard shortcutsShift + ?Shift + ?Select conversationXXSelect all conversationsShift + * + AShift + * + AComposeCCPrevious message in an open conversationPPNext message in an open conversationNNDeleteShift + #Shift + #Go to the next pageG + NG + NGo to the previous pageG + PG + PDeselect all conversationsShift + * + SShift + * + SSelect read conversationsShift + * + RShift + * + RSelect unread conversationsShift + * + UShift + * + UGo to InboxG + IG + IGo to Sent messagesG + TG + TGo to DraftG + DG + DGo to Starred messagesG + SG + SOpen a conversationOOBack to threadlistUUArchive emailEEForward emailFFReply to an emailRRReply allAAExpand a conversation;;Collapse a conversationShift + :Shift + :Compose email in a new tabDDAdd CC recipientsCtrl + Shift + CCommand + Shift + CAdd BCC recipientsCtrl + Shift + BCommand + Shift + BSend emailCtrl + EnterCommand + EnterDecrease Gmail text sizeCtrl + Shift + – (minus sign)Command + Shift + – (minus sign)Increase Gmail text sizeCtrl + Shift + + (plus sign)Command + Shift + + (plus sign)Discard a draftCtrl + Shift + DCommand + Shift + DInsert a link when composing an emailCtrl + KCommand + KBold text when composing an emailCtrl + BCommand + BItalicize text when composing an emailCtrl + ICommand + IUnderline text when composing an emailCtrl + UCommand + UStrikethrough text when composing emailAlt + Shift + 5Command + Shift + XCreate numbered listCtrl + Shift + 7Command + Shift + 7Create bulleted listCtrl + Shift + 8Command + Shift + 8Align text to leftCtrl + Shift + LCommand + Shift + LAlign text to centerCtrl + Shift + ECommand + Shift + EAlign text to rightCtrl + Shift + RCommand + Shift + RIncrease text size when composing emailCtrl + Shift + + (plus sign)Command + Shift + + (plus sign)Decrease text size when composing emailCtrl + Shift + – (minus sign)Command + Shift + – (minus sign)Increase text indentationCtrl + ]Command + ]Decrease text indentationCtrl + [Command + [Mark an email as important++Mark an email as not important––Report an email as spamShift + !Shift + !Search mail//Open Google TasksG + KG + KAdd an open conversation to Google TasksShift + TShift + T

So, this is our list of Gmail keyboard shortcuts that will help you save time checking and responding to emails. If you ever get lost, simply use the “Shift + ?” shortcut to get a quick look at all the Gmail keyboard shortcuts in place.

But, let’s say that you want to change these keyboard mappings as per your preference. Well, you can do that too!

How to Customize Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts

Now that you know about the various Gmail keyboard shortcuts, note that these are not permanent keyboard mappings; you can customize them easily to your taste. To do so, first, head to the Settings by tapping the cogwheel icon at the top right. Then, follow the steps:

With that, we arrive at the end of this very guide. Keyboard shortcuts on Gmail certainly do make managing your emails a walk in the park. Now, if you are looking tochange your Gmail signature,create folders and labels in Gmail, or know of some othercool Gmail tricks, we have guides in place for that too.

If you have any further queries, take to the comments section, and we will get right back to you!

Sagnik Das Gupta

Sagnik is a tech aficionado who can never say “no” to dipping his toes into unknown waters of tech or reviewing the latest gadgets. He is also a hardcore gamer, having played everything from Snake Xenzia to Dead Space Remake.

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