How to use Gmail efficiently

Learn the basics of Gmail

How to send an email

Compose in a Gmail popup:

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. At the top left, click  Compose. 

  3. In the "To" field, add recipients. You can also add recipients:
    • In the "Cc" and "Bcc" fields.
    • When you compose a message, with a "+ sign" or "@mention" and the contact's name in the text field.
  4. Add a subject.
  5. Write your message.
  6. At the bottom of the page, click Send.

Tip: To add individual recipients and groups of contacts you created with labels, click To:.

Compose in a Gmail new window:

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left, click Compose.
  3. (Optional) Choose a window size with the buttons in the top right:
    • Full screen
    • Exit full screen
    • Open in a new window Shift
  4. Add a subject and recipients (To, Cc, or Bcc).

How to CC

"CC" stands for "carbon copy." When you add recipients to the "Cc" field in an email, they receive a copy of the message along with the primary recipients in the "To" field. This is useful for keeping multiple parties informed about the communication without directly addressing them in the main recipient list. By using the "Cc" field, you can easily include additional individuals who may be interested or need to be aware of the email content.

You can CC someone by:

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.

  2. At the top left, click  Compose.

  3. In the "To" field, add recipients. You can also add recipients:

    • In the "Cc" and "Bcc" fields.

    • When you compose a message, with a "+ sign" or "@mention" and the contact's name in the text field.

  4. Add a subject.

  5. Write your message.

  6. At the bottom of the page, click Send.


How to make a folder

Tip: Your labels only show in your inbox, not your recipient’s inbox.

Create labels for Gmail

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left, scroll down, then click More.
  3. Click Create new label.
  4. Name your label.
  5. Click Create.

Inbox types 

In Gmail, there are different types of inboxes that you can choose from to organize your emails more efficiently. The main types of inboxes in Gmail are:

1. Default inbox: This is the standard inbox layout in Gmail, where your emails are categorized into Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, and Forums tabs.

2. Priority inbox: This inbox type automatically separates your emails into sections based on their importance, allowing you to focus on the most critical messages first.

3. Multiple inboxes: With this feature, you can create multiple sections within your inbox to categorize emails based on specific criteria or labels, helping you stay organized and prioritize your emails effectively.

4. Unread first inbox: This inbox type displays your unread emails at the top of your inbox, making it easier for you to quickly catch up on any new messages that require your attention.

By choosing the inbox type that best suits your workflow and preferences, you can streamline your email management process and ensure that you never miss important messages.


Threads

  • In Gmail: Use quick settings to change conversation view. View up to 100 messages or conversations per screen (web view). In Gmail conversation threads, the newest message is at the bottom.

  1. Open Gmail.
  2. At the top right, click Settings  and then See all settings.
  3. Scroll to Conversation view.
  4. Select Conversation view on or Conversation view off.

Tip: The settings are also available in the Quick settings sidebar. Click Settings, then scroll to the Email Threading section at the bottom of the Quick settings sidebar.


How to set up on phone 

Setting up Gmail on your phone is a straightforward process that allows you to access your emails on the go. To set up Gmail on your phone, follow these steps:

1. Open the email app on your phone.

2. Tap on the option to add a new email account.

3. Select Gmail as the email provider.

4. Enter your Gmail address and password.

5. Follow any additional prompts to complete the setup process.

6. Once your Gmail account is successfully added, you can start accessing your emails on your phone.

By setting up Gmail on your phone, you can stay connected and manage your emails conveniently from anywhere.