Gmail – 3 Tricks that I Like

In Google’s web version of Gmail there are all sorts of tweaks and tricks. Out of the many many features and customizations I find that these three are my favorite.

1. Basic HTML mode. Yes that is right sometimes you may find yourself on a public hotsport or a slow connection and you just want to check you email. You can still access Gmail through a basic HTML mode which supports slow connections and old outdated browsers. It is simple and works fast.

If you are logged into Gmail just visit here https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=html&zy=h

This will allow you the option to use the basic mode.

2.  Calendar Widget.  Yes under Google Mail settings you will find a tab called Labs.  If you click on this tab you can enable a few different widgets.  I like to enable the Calendar Widget as it provides a mini calendar on the same screen as your inbox.  Of all the widgets I find that this one is simple yet effective.  If I have any upcoming events I see them right on same screen and same window as my Inbox.

Turn on Gmail Calendar Widget.

Login to Gmail.  Click on Settings.  Click on Labs.  Look for the Plugin Calendar Widget and check the box to enable.

 

 

3. Store Files in Gmail.  Yes so everyone is probably aware of Google Drive and how it integrates with Google services.  Sometimes however you may want to store a file off the record so to say.  That is not shared or synced or pushed among all devices that have Google Drive.  Here a trick is to upload an attachment to the draft folder and leave it here.  Surprisingly this simple technique works and you can store just about anything for however long you like using this method.  When you no longer want the file, simply delete the draft and it disappears.

From Google Support:  https://support.google.com/vault/answer/6093005?hl=en

“If a draft is deleted without being sent, it is expunged 30 days later regardless of retention policies or holds.”

 

4. Show Indicators.  Want to know if the email was sent to just you or a large group?  Under setting you can enable personal indicators to check.  Here is what the setting looks like.

With the setting enabled,  if you see a > it means sent to my address not mailing list.  If you see a >> it means a message specific to only you.