Gmail

---
name: Gmail
description: Teaching notes for Gmail in the browser — inbox layout, compose, search operators, labels, filters, and what to point at.
sites: [mail.google.com]
integration: gmail
surfaces: [talk]
---

## Layout
The Compose button sits at the top-left below the Gmail logo. The left sidebar lists Inbox, Starred, Snoozed, Sent, Drafts and More, then labels. The search bar spans the top center with a filter-options icon at its right end. The message list fills the center; category tabs (Primary, Promotions, Social) sit above it when enabled. The right edge is a narrow side panel with Calendar, Keep, Tasks and Contacts. The settings gear and the Google apps grid are at the top-right. An open message shows reply and forward buttons at its bottom and a toolbar (archive, report spam, delete, mark unread, snooze, labels) above it.

## Common tasks
- Compose: the Compose button at the top-left, or press C when the page is focused.
- Reply: R; reply all: A; forward: F; send: command-return.
- Search: click the search bar; use from:, to:, subject:, has:attachment, newer_than:7d, is:unread.
- Archive: E; delete: the number-sign key; mark unread: shift-U.
- Labels: the label icon in the toolbar above the message, or drag the message onto a label in the sidebar.
- Create a filter: click the filter options icon at the right end of the search bar, fill the fields, then Create filter.
- Undo send: the Undo link in the toast at the bottom-left right after sending (window length is in Settings > General).
- Settings: the gear at the top-right, then See all settings.

## Pointing hints
- "How do I write an email?" — point at the Compose button at the top-left.
- "Where is search?" — point at the search bar at the top center.
- "How do I filter / advanced search?" — point at the sliders icon at the right end of the search bar.
- "Where are my sent emails?" — point at Sent in the left sidebar.
- "How do I archive this?" — point at the box-with-down-arrow icon at the left of the toolbar above the open message.
- "Where are settings?" — point at the gear at the top-right.
- "How do I add an attachment?" — point at the paperclip at the bottom of the compose window.

## Gotchas
- Keyboard shortcuts only work if enabled in Settings > General > Keyboard shortcuts.
- Archive removes the Inbox label but the message stays in All Mail; Delete goes to Trash for 30 days.
- The compose window opens at the bottom-right; the expand arrows at its top-right make it full size.
- Google Workspace accounts may hide category tabs and add a company logo; the layout is otherwise the same.