Gmail Keyboard Shortcuts: Inbox Zero Tips (PDF Cheat Sheet)

Gmail isn’t just about sending emails anymore; it is a full-blown productivity hub. In 2026, with Gemini AI integrated deeply into your inbox, you can summarize massive threads, draft replies, and find lost attachments instantly.

Whether you are replying faster with keys like R and A, or using AI to polish your tone, this guide covers the essential tools you need to reach Inbox Zero. Read the list below or download the cheat sheet.

Stuck on a broken formula? Contact us here or leave a comment below for any feedback or help.

Download the Gmail Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

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Navigation & Views

Fly through your inbox without touching the mouse using these “Vim-style” navigation keys.

Shortcut	Action
J / K	Go to Older / Newer conversation (Down / Up).
N / P	Next / Previous message (inside a thread).
O / Enter	Open Conversation / Expand message.
U	Return to thread list (Inbox).
/ (Slash)	Jump to Search Bar.
G then I	Go to Inbox.
G then S	Go to Starred conversations.
G then D	Go to Drafts.
G then T	Go to Sent Mail.

Selection & Bulk Actions

Clean up your inbox fast by selecting multiple items at once.

Shortcut	Action
X	Select conversation (Check box).
* then A	Select All conversations in view.
* then N	Deselect All.
* then R / U	Select Read / Unread conversations.
Z	Undo last action (Move, Delete, Archive).

Email Actions

Shortcut	Action
E	Archive (Remove from Inbox).
# (Shift + 3)	Delete conversation.
Shift + U / I	Mark as Unread / Read.
Y	Remove Label (Archive from current view).
Shift + / (?)	Show full keyboard shortcut overlay.

Compose & Formatting

Shortcut	Action
C	Compose new message.
R / A	Reply / Reply All.
Ctrl + Enter	Send Message immediately.
Ctrl + K	Insert Link.
Ctrl + B / I / U	Bold / Italic / Underline text.
Ctrl + \ (Backslash)	Clear Text Formatting.

Gemini AI in Gmail (2026 Features)

Gemini is now deeply integrated into Gmail to help you manage information overload. Here is what is new:

• Gmail Q&A (Mobile): Tap the black star icon on iOS/Android to ask questions like “What was the PO number from Phil’s invoice last week?” Gemini scans your emails to find the specific answer.
• Summarize this Thread: Open a long email chain on the web and click “Summarize” (top right) to get a bulleted list of who said what.
• Polish Your Draft: Write a rough draft, then click the “Refine” pencil icon. Select Polish to fix grammar and tone instantly, or Formalize to make it business-ready.

How to Customize Your Shortcuts

Don’t like the defaults? You can remap them to fit your workflow.

1. Open Gmail on your computer.
2. Click Settings (Gear) > See all settings.
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Find Custom keyboard shortcuts and click Enable.
5. Click Save Changes at the bottom.
6. After reload, a new “Keyboard Shortcuts” tab will appear in Settings. Use it to type your own keys for any action.

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Want more cheat sheets and productivity guides?

• Google Docs Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Gmail Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Forms Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Drive Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Slides Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Sheets Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools
• Google Calendar Shortcuts + Gemini AI Tools

Each guide includes mobile tips, Gemini AI usage, and a free downloadable cheat sheet.