Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts
55+ Gmail shortcuts for inbox management, composing, and search. Speed up your email workflow.
Compose
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Compose new email | |
| Compose in new tab | |
| Send email | |
| Add CC recipients | |
| Add BCC recipients | |
| Discard draft | |
| Insert link | |
| Open spelling suggestions |
Formatting
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Bold | |
| Italic | |
| Underline | |
| Numbered list | |
| Bulleted list | |
| Strikethrough | |
| Remove formatting | |
| Increase font size |
Navigation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Go to Inbox | |
| Go to Starred | |
| Go to Sent | |
| Go to Drafts | |
| Go to All Mail | |
| Go to Contacts | |
| Go to Tasks | |
| Search mail |
Thread List
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Older / newer conversation | |
| Open conversation | |
| Return to thread list | |
| Select conversation | |
| Select all | |
| Deselect all | |
| Select read | |
| Select unread |
Actions
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Reply | |
| Reply all | |
| Forward | |
| Archive | |
| Delete (move to trash) | |
| Report as spam | |
| Mark as read | |
| Mark as unread | |
| Star / unstar | |
| Mark as important | |
| Mark as not important | |
| Move to... | |
| Label as... | |
| Add to Tasks |
Reading
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Next / previous message in thread | |
| Expand entire conversation | |
| Collapse entire conversation |
Misc
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Show keyboard shortcuts help | |
| Move cursor to chat search | |
| Open 'more actions' menu | |
| Quote selection | |
| Update current conversation | |
| Snooze |
Pro tips
Enable Keyboard Shortcuts
Gmail shortcuts are disabled by default. Go to Settings → See all settings → General → Keyboard shortcuts ON. Save changes to activate all shortcuts on this page.
Use Labels + Filters
Create filters (Settings → Filters) to auto-label, archive, or forward incoming mail. Combine with keyboard shortcut L to quickly label conversations manually.
Master the Search Operators
Use operators like from:, to:, subject:, has:attachment, before:, after:, is:unread, label: to find any email instantly. Combine them for powerful queries.
Templates for Repetitive Emails
Enable Templates in Settings → Advanced. Save common responses as templates and insert them with a few clicks when composing.
Schedule Send
Click the arrow next to Send to schedule emails for later. Great for sending emails at optimal times across time zones without staying up late.
Undo Send is Essential
Go to Settings → General → Undo Send and set the cancellation period to 30 seconds. This gives you a window to recall sent emails with mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail?
Go to Gmail Settings (gear icon) → See all settings → General tab → scroll to 'Keyboard shortcuts' → select 'Keyboard shortcuts on' → scroll down and click 'Save Changes'.
Why aren't my Gmail shortcuts working?
Make sure keyboard shortcuts are enabled in Settings. Also check that your cursor isn't in a text field (compose window). Some shortcuts only work in specific views (inbox vs. reading).
Can I customize Gmail keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, if you enable 'Custom keyboard shortcuts' in Settings → Advanced tab. This allows you to remap many default shortcuts to your preferred keys.
What's the difference between Archive and Delete?
Archive (E) removes the email from your inbox but keeps it in All Mail - you can find it via search. Delete (#) moves it to Trash, which is permanently emptied after 30 days.
How do I use Gmail offline?
Go to Settings → Offline → check 'Enable offline mail'. Gmail will sync your recent emails so you can read, search, and compose offline. Emails send when you reconnect.
Can I use Gmail shortcuts on mobile?
No, Gmail keyboard shortcuts only work in the web browser version on desktop. The Gmail mobile app uses touch gestures instead (swipe to archive, long-press to select, etc.).
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