Why Gmail Shortcuts Matter (2026)
Single-key shortcuts (C compose, R reply, A reply all, E archive, / search) make inbox zero achievable. Enable them under Settings → See all settings → Keyboard shortcuts → ON. Pair with Outlook and Chrome guides.
Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts
Every essential Gmail keyboard shortcut—compose, archive, search, labels, and navigation. Enable shortcuts in Settings first. From Google's official Gmail shortcut list.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable shortcuts in Gmail Settings > General > Keyboard shortcuts on
Composing & Sending
Compose new message
C
Compose in new tab
D
Reply
R
Reply all
A
Forward
F
Send email (from compose)
Ctrl/⌘Enter
Add CC recipients
Ctrl/⌘ShiftC
Add BCC recipients
Ctrl/⌘ShiftB
Save draft
Ctrl/⌘S
Discard draft
Ctrl/⌘ShiftD
Navigation
Go to Inbox
GI
Go to Starred
GS
Go to Sent
GT
Go to Drafts
GD
Go to All Mail
GA
Go to Contacts
GC
Go to Tasks
GK
Go to label
GL
Move to next conversation
J
Move to previous conversation
K
Open conversation
Enter
Return to conversation list
U
Next message in conversation
N
Previous message in conversation
P
Email Actions
Archive email
E
Delete email
#
Mark as read
ShiftI
Mark as unread
ShiftU
Star/unstar conversation
S
Mark as important
+
Mark as not important
-
Snooze
B
Move to folder
V
Apply label
L
Report as spam
!
Mark as not spam
Shift~
Mute conversation
M
Selection
Select conversation
X
Select all conversations
*A
Deselect all conversations
*N
Select read conversations
*R
Select unread conversations
*U
Select starred conversations
*S
Select unstarred conversations
*T
Search
Search mail
/
Show search options
Ctrl/⌘/
Text Formatting (in compose)
Bold
Ctrl/⌘B
Italic
Ctrl/⌘I
Underline
Ctrl/⌘U
Numbered list
Ctrl/⌘Shift7
Bulleted list
Ctrl/⌘Shift8
Insert link
Ctrl/⌘K
Undo
Ctrl/⌘Z
Redo
Ctrl/⌘Y
Conversation View
Expand entire conversation
;
Collapse entire conversation
:
Expand/collapse message
Enter
General
Refresh inbox
Ctrl/⌘R
Open Settings
Ctrl/⌘,
Undo last action
Z
Show keyboard shortcuts
?
Open Tasks sidebar
GK
Open Keep sidebar
ShiftK
Previous page
Ctrl/⌘P
Next page
Ctrl/⌘N
Google Meet (in Gmail)
Start new meeting
Ctrl/⌘AltM
Join meeting
Ctrl/⌘AltJ
Advanced (if enabled in Labs)
Add to Tasks
ShiftT
Create event
ShiftC
Gmail Shortcuts — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable Gmail keyboard shortcuts?
Go to Gmail Settings → See all settings → General → Keyboard shortcuts → select 'Keyboard shortcuts on' → Save Changes.
What are the best Gmail keyboard shortcuts?
C (compose), R (reply), A (reply all), F (forward), E (archive), # (delete), / (search), and G then I (go to inbox) cover daily email workflows.
How do I archive an email in Gmail with a keyboard shortcut?
Select an email and press E to archive it. Press Z to undo the last action.
Are Gmail shortcuts the same on Mac and Windows?
Yes—Gmail uses single-letter shortcuts that work identically on all platforms once enabled in settings.