Press C anywhere in Gmail to start a new email. It is the first shortcut most people learn for a reason: a new draft opens instantly, so you can start typing before the window has finished sliding into view.
CMDK transforms your Gmail into a keyboard first experience, not just transforming existing Gmail keyboard shortcuts but also adding new ones for you to be 2x faster at email. CMDK also adds a command bar, natural language snooze, split inbox with Tabs, one-click email nuke, and easy account switching tools. It reduces your reliance on the mouse, getting you into a state of flow as you use Gmail everyday.
Compose new message Gmail Shortcut Tutorial
To use the Gmail shortcut to compose a new message, you first need to enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Open Gmail in your web browser and sign in to your account.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen, then select “See all settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. In the Settings menu, click on the “Advanced” tab.
4. Scroll down until you see the “Keyboard shortcuts” section.
5. Click on the radio button next to “Keyboard shortcuts on” to enable keyboard shortcuts in Gmail.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “Save Changes” button.
Once you have enabled keyboard shortcuts, you can use the shortcut to compose a new message. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the “C” key on your keyboard while you are in your Gmail inbox or any other Gmail view.
2. This will open a new message window where you can add the recipient’s email address, subject, and message content.
You can also let CMDK handle this for you. It turns Gmail’s keyboard shortcuts on automatically and adds dozens more, so Compose New Message and the rest just work from the first day.
Get more out of your keyboard
Once Compose New Message becomes muscle memory, you will want the rest. CMDK adds more than 80 shortcuts to Gmail along with a command bar, natural-language snooze, a split inbox with tabs, one-click sender nuke, and quick account switching. It is the fastest way to run your inbox without touching the mouse.
Related Gmail keyboard shortcuts
- Gmail Focus Latest (Chat/Compose) Shortcut
- Gmail Forward in New Window Shortcut
- Gmail Forward Shortcut
CMDK adds these and 80+ more shortcuts to Gmail, along with a command bar and natural-language snooze. See how CMDK works or check CMDK pricing.