Using Tasks in Gmail
Keyboard shortcuts
Overview
Tasks is a Gmail feature designed to help you keep track of the things you need to do. You can create lists of items, set due dates and notes, and even add Gmail messages directly to Tasks.
Using Tasks in Gmail
To get started, just click the Tasks link under Contacts, on the left side of the screen.To enter tasks, just click in the Tasks window and start typing just like you would in a word processor. Once you've typed in a task, press Enter to create another one, or use the + button at the bottom of your list.
Here are some of the options available to you in Tasks:
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Create a task about a Gmail message using the keyboard shortcut Shift + T, or by choosing Add to Tasks from the More options menu in your Gmail conversation.
- Switch between existing lists or create new ones using the List icon in the bottom right corner.
- Create "subtasks" by using Tab to indent them, and Shift + Tab to move them back.
- Move tasks by grabbing them to the left of the check mark and dragging them up and down.
- Add new tasks to the middle of a list by clicking at the beginning or end of an existing task and pressing Enter.
- Check off Tasks when you're done, and use Actions > Clear completed to hide them. Don't worry, you can still view them later!
- Print your tasks by clicking Actions and selecting Print task list.
Store any information you want! Tasks is designed to help you keep track of things you need to do, but you can still use it for any listing actions you want, such as making a grocery list or outlining a paper. You can create as many lists as you need to organize your information.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Useful keyboard shortcuts include:
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In Gmail |
Shift + T |
Create a task based on the open message |
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G and then K |
Open Tasks, or shift the cursor from Gmail to Tasks |
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In the Tasks Window |
Tab |
Moves task right ("subtasks") |
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Shift + Tab |
Moves task left |
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Ctrl + Up |
Moves task up |
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Ctrl + Down |
Moves task down |
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Shift + Enter |
Edit task details, including due date or notes |
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Esc |
Close Tasks |
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Shift + Esc |
Shift the cursor from Tasks to Gmail |
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