Are you using Gmail? Then you definitely need to check out some of these incredible time-saving addons from the Labs that will enhance your email experience. For those that don’t know, “Gmail Labs is a testing ground for experimental features that aren’t quite ready for primetime.” Google goes on to say that they may change, break or disappear at any time, but so far they have all been very stable addons.

To Enable any of these addons head to the Mail Settings Icon in Gmail (Top right ‘Cog’) and then click on Labs.

Background Send

Background Send does exactly what it sets out to do, and no more. It’s an important addon that can speed up your time and actions. Simply write or reply to an email, click send and you will be sent straight back to your inbox while your message sends in the background. As long as you don’t log out your message will send in the background while you continue checking other emails.

Google Calendar Gadget

If you use Google Calendar, this little addon will be very convenient. When Enabled, a small Google Calendar Gadget will appear to the left hand side of your Gmail, sitting under your chat box. Default view will show your upcoming appointments with the ability to add more directly in the sidebar. You can also enable a mini calendar which will give you a great overview of how your month is looking.

Google Docs Previews in Mail

Google Docs are handy, but clicking away from your mailbox just to view them is an extra step I’d rather cut out. Google Docs Previews shows previews of documents, spreadsheets and presentations directly in the email when you receive any link to a Google Doc. If you choose, you can also go directly to the Google Doc with the link provided. Brilliant.

Mark As Read Button

Although Mark As Read is already in the drop down More Actions, it’s a time saver having it as a solo button. Just quickly select all those annoying newsletters you don’t have time to read and Mark As Read. Simple. You could also use Unsubscribe.com.

Message Sneak Peek

Message Sneak Peek is a brilliant timesaver, when you remember to use it. Just enable this addon and right-click any message in your inbox to peek into the message (in a popup overlay). Perfect for skimming a list of emails without marking them as read.

Move Icon Column

The Move Icon Column addon moves all the attachments and other icons to the left hand side, so it’s easier to find items. This also adds a nice bit of white space in front of your From column which just breaks everything up nicely. Simple addon, but very effective.

Navbar Drag and Drop

You know that Google Calendar Gadget we added earlier? Well now you have a way to move that around and place it on top of the chat box. If you have other items in your Navbar, now you can move them all up or down depending on what suits you. Another simple, but effective addon that keeps your inbox clean and organised.

Title Tweaks

This little addon is the cream of the crop. This will tweak your title from Your Mail – Inbox (20) to Inbox (20)… showing you straight away when you have new email without even switching the tab. If you like to keep your Gmail open while you browse around the net this is definitely the addon for you.

Unread Message Icon

If you would prefer not to tweak your title you can always add this little nifty addon, a small message favicon that changes when you receive email. It’s a very simple change but overall an important timesaver.

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Personally, I prefer to mouse my way through everything – but if you love your keyboard and are used to shortcuts then this will help you speed up your processes. Simply map a key to an action and away you go. Couldn’t be simpler.

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Although I have only listed 10, there are many more great addons in Gmail Labs.

What Gmail Labs addons do you use?

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