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Google Gmail

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

SUMMARY: Tired of using the mouse AND keyboard when reading and composing messages in Gmail? Turn on keyboard shortcuts to common functionality.

When using Google's Gmail service, you may find yourself constantly switching from the keyboard to the mouse to navigate your incoming and outgoing mail. If you're accustomed to using the keyboard, consider turning on Gmail's keyboard shortcut features to save time.

This tip was written on March 21, 2007. Gmail's interface is subject to change.

1. Click the "Settings" link near the top-right of the page.

2. A "Settings" page appears. Next to "Keyboard shortcuts" click the radio button to turn "Keyboard shortcuts on".

3. Click "Save Changes".

Here are some frequently used shortcuts:

/ - Search messages
c - Compose message
n - Next message
o - Opens a conversation
p - Previous message
r - Reply to the current message

A full list of commands is available at the Gmail Help Center.