Gmail shortcut keys are mostly single letters, but they work only after you switch them on. Open the gear icon, See all settings, General, and set Keyboard shortcuts on, then Save Changes. After that, C composes a new email, R replies, A replies to all and E archives.
A few keys work even with shortcuts off, such as Ctrl + Enter to send the email you are writing. Press Shift + ? in Gmail to see the full list on screen.
Quick facts
Compose
CReply
RReply all
AForward
FArchive
ESearch
/Send
Ctrl + Enter
Gmail shortcut keys for daily email
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| C | Compose |
| R | Reply |
| A | Reply all |
| F | Forward |
| E | Archive |
| # | Delete |
| S | Star or unstar |
| / | Search |
| J | Older conversation |
| K | Newer conversation |
| O | Open conversation |
| U | Back to the list |
Shift + I marks a conversation as read and Shift + U as unread. X selects a conversation in the list, so you can select several with X and then archive them all with E.
Turn on Gmail keyboard shortcuts
- Click the gear icon at the top right and choose See all settings.
- Stay on the General tab and scroll to Keyboard shortcuts.
- Choose Keyboard shortcuts on.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
Shortcuts are saved to your account, so they work on any computer where you sign in. Custom keys can be set after turning on Custom keyboard shortcuts under the Advanced tab.
Go to keys and composing
| Keys | Action |
|---|---|
| G, then I | Go to Inbox |
| G, then S | Go to Starred |
| G, then T | Go to Sent |
| G, then D | Go to Drafts |
| Ctrl + Enter | Send |
| Ctrl + Shift + C | Add Cc recipients |
| Ctrl + Shift + B | Add Bcc recipients |
| Ctrl + K | Insert a link |
| Z | Undo the last action |
The go to keys are pressed one after another, not together. Z undoes archive, delete and move, which is a relief after archiving the wrong message.
Shortcuts for a cleaner inbox
A fast routine for a busy inbox is: J and K to move down the list, E to archive anything read, R for quick replies, and S to star emails that need a longer answer later. Archiving keeps mail searchable without cluttering the inbox, unlike deleting. Search with / supports filters such as from:, has:attachment and older_than:, which find old invoices in seconds. Keys for browser tabs and bookmarks are collected on the browser shortcut page. Labels work like folders in Gmail, and the l key opens the label menu for the open conversation, while v moves it to a label and removes it from the inbox in one step, which keeps project mail tidy.
When Gmail shortcuts do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Letters do nothing | Keyboard shortcuts are off; turn them on in settings |
| Typing triggers actions | Click into the text box; shortcuts pause while typing |
| Keys work on one computer only | A browser extension is blocking them; try a private window |
| Wrong layout keys | Non English keyboard layouts may move symbols like # and / |
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on Gmail shortcut keys?
Settings, See all settings, General, Keyboard shortcuts on, Save Changes.
What is the Gmail shortcut to compose?
How do I archive with the keyboard?
How do I send an email quickly?
How do I see all Gmail shortcuts?
Press Shift + ?.