How to use the new Gmail, which has some of the coolest features we’ve seen so far

Today, April 25th, Google announced that Gmail is getting a major facelift. Tech changes can be scary, especially when we use a specific piece of tech on the daily. But after almost a decade of staying virtually the same, we think Gmail deserves a little pick-me-up. Plus, the new changes have been designed to save users time, keep user information safe, and, overall, help Gmail users get more done. We can absolutely get on board with that. So you’re probably wondering: how does one use the new Gmail?

We were lucky enough to try out the new version of Gmail and we think you guys are going to love it.

The site’s layout has remained pretty much the same. You have easy access to your Inbox, Drafts, and Sent messages on the left-hand side of the screen. One addition you’ll notice on this toolbar is “Snooze.” When you Snooze an email (by hovering over a message and clicking the clock icon), the email will temporarily disappear from your inbox. It will pop back into your inbox later, thus reminding you to read and respond.

The Snooze feature is just one of the updates that makes the new Gmail feel like a personal assistant. Another useful update is “Nudging.” The site now reminds you to respond to emails by asking you via bright-colored text if you’d like to send a reply.

One of our favorite new features in the Gmail update is being able to download attachments without having to open an email. If a message contains an attachment, it will show up under the subject line on the main page. With a simple click you can open the image, PDF, PowerPoint, Google Doc, etc.

Through Gmail’s new Offline Mode, you’ll still be able to access and use Gmail when away from WiFi or while in airplane mode. Plus, sending messages with sensitive content can be done via Gmail’s Confidential Mode, allowing you to set an expiration date or revoke the message after sending.

You can also set up an authentication code to keep the message password-protected.

We also love how you can now easily access Calendar, Keep, and Tasks with a simple click on the right-hand side of the Gmail screen. Rather than a new window, a sidebar opens up allowing you to see both your emails and the Calendar, Keep, or Tasks page.

You can also implement more sidebar add-ons via the G Suite Marketplace.

Mobile Gmail users will soon notice that Gmail will learn which emails are high priority based on how quickly you respond to them. Gmail will then only send you notifications when you need to respond. Mobile Gmail will also suggest when to unsubscribe to offers you are no longer interacting with.

Gmail is really looking out for us with this new update. We’re so excited to get the swing of things and let the platform work for us.