Email has become such an essential part of the way that we work in the digital age. It seems like the bulk of the communication that we deal with during any given work day come at us through our email accounts. Of course, you may not always want to open your web browser just to check your email. That can take up the whole of your screen, and represent a serious break in your productivity. If you want to be able to keep your eyes on your email without constantly having to open the browser then you may want to consider a free app called Mail Tab for Gmail.
Where can I get Mail Tab for Gmail?
It is a free download in the Mac App Store. Simply type the name of the app into your search field and click Enter. You should see the app in your search results.
Setting Up The App
Let’s begin by setting up your new app. Once it is downloaded, double click on the icon in your dock to open it.
The first time you open the app, you will see a confirmation message, ensuring that the program is allowed to access your Gmail, you have to click on yes if you want to use this app.
Now, you will see a sign in screen. Enter your Gmail username and password. Then click on “Sign in”. Signing in may take a little bit longer with this app then it would with your browser this first time. Just be a little patient, and you will be rewarded. When you here the “ping” noise, you know that you are signed into your Gmail, and can access your messages. You will also hear this ping in the future when you get a new message.
Tip: If you do not want to sign in everytime you launch the app, make sure that the box next to “Remember me” is checked. It should be checked by default the first time that you sign in. If this is a shared computer and you do not want to save your information, then make sure that this box is not checked.
Using The App
Once you are signed in, you will notice an app icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen. To see the messages in your in-box simply click on this icon. Load times may vary.
If you need to view more messages in the list, simply scroll all of the way down to and click the button labeled “Show more messages” and more of your inbox should appear.
If you want to view the contents of a specific message, simply click on it. From here, you can read the message, and then either delete or archive that message by clicking on the buttons. If you do not want to take any action, simply click the “Inbox” button and you will be taken back to a list of your messages.
When you are ready to quit the application, either to go to lunch, or for the day, you can simply click on the small downward pointing arrow next to the message icon. When the menu appears, you can simply click on the words “Quit Mail Tab for Gmail” and you will be signed out of the application and your Gmail account.
Enjoy your productivity!
MailTab For Gmail (iTunes link)
Katie Gatto is a technology writer with seven years of experience, and a native Mac user. She has previously written for Apple related site such as Appletell and Mac Apper.
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