ZeronessGmail keyboard shortcuts: the cheat sheet.
Learn twelve keys and you will never reach for the mouse to clear your inbox again. Here is how to turn shortcuts on, the twelve that matter most, and the full list.
Turn them on first
- In Gmail on the web, click the gear and choose See all settings.
- On the General tab, find Keyboard shortcuts and select Keyboard shortcuts on.
- Scroll down and click Save Changes.
Press ? in Gmail at any time to see the list. Shortcuts are ignored while you are typing in a box; press Esc first.
The twelve that save the most time
| Key | What it does |
|---|---|
| E | Archive the conversation |
| J / K | Next / previous conversation |
| O or Enter | Open the conversation |
| U | Back to the list |
| R | Reply |
| A | Reply all |
| F | Forward |
| C | Compose |
| ⌘ Enter / Ctrl Enter | Send |
| / | Search |
| B | Snooze |
| Z | Undo the last action |
Selecting and organizing
| Key | What it does |
|---|---|
| X | Select the conversation |
| S | Star or unstar |
| # | Move to trash |
| ! | Report spam |
| L | Label |
| V | Move to a label |
| Shift + I | Mark as read |
| Shift + U | Mark as unread |
| M | Mute the conversation |
Jumping around
| Keys | Goes to |
|---|---|
| G then I | Inbox |
| G then S | Starred |
| G then T | Sent |
| G then D | Drafts |
| G then A | All mail |
A faster workflow with the same keys
Shortcuts make each action faster, but you still decide every email one by one. The method that gets people to inbox zero is four decisions: done, reply, remind me later, or waiting on someone. Our inbox zero guide walks through it.
Questions
How do I turn on Gmail keyboard shortcuts?
In Gmail on the web, open Settings (the gear), choose See all settings, find Keyboard shortcuts on the General tab, select Keyboard shortcuts on, and click Save Changes at the bottom.
What is the Gmail shortcut to archive an email?
Press E to archive the open or selected conversation. Press Z right after to undo.
Why are my Gmail shortcuts not working?
Single-key shortcuts only work after you turn them on in Settings, and they are ignored while the cursor is in a text box such as the search bar or a reply. Press Esc to leave the text box first.
Are there shortcuts for snoozing in Gmail?
Yes. Press B to snooze the selected conversation.