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6 Features in the Gmail Compose Window You Didn't Realize Were There

2 minute read

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The Gmail compose window is full of features. Just when you thought you knew it all, here are six features that you didn’t realize were there. From creating block quotes to selecting from a list of canned responses, the Gmail compose window can take care of a lot. You might not even have to open a new tab in your Chrome browser!

1. Call Your Reader’s Attention with A Block Quote

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Are you trying to guide your recipient in your latest email? Is there a certain paragraph that you really want your client to pay attention to? Without being too overt, creating a block quote can call attention to your text. While it is traditionally used in long-form writing, there are many more applications of the block quote.

2. Attach Dropbox Files to an Email in Gmail

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Just because you don’t store all your files on Google Drive doesn’t mean it should be a pain in the neck to attach them to an email. As long as you are using Gmail, there is no shortage of integrations for file attachment from any number of sources. Here are the steps to add Dropbox as an attachment option in your compose window when sending emails in Gmail. Using Dropbox’s own Chrome Extension you can finally leave the “I’ll save this to my desktop and then attach it from there” mentality behind.

3. Add Some Personal Flair and Comedic Relief with a Bitmoji

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Bitmojis are personal emoji caricatures that evoke your personality and match almost every facial feature you can think of, such as your eye size, wrinkles, and face shape. When you just can’t put your thoughts into words, Bitmojis help portray your facial expressions and reactions. Once you’ve downloaded the Chrome extension, you’ll see your friendly face appear in the bottom bar of your compose window.

4. Attach Files Directly From Drive

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The paper clip icon isn’t the only button you can click to attach files any more. At the bottom of your compose window, you can find the Drive icon to instantly access files from your personal Drive and include them in your emails. No more searching around on your Desktop, this integration allows you to stick to the cloud.

5. Use the Built-In Spell-Check Tool

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Need another set of eyes to read over a very important email? In the menu in the bottom right corner of your compose window, there’s a spell-check tool that can scan your email and offer spelling suggestions. Want another opinion on your spelling and grammar? Download the Grammarly Chrome extension.

6. No Need to Re-Type, Just Can It

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Getting asked the same question over and over again usually warrants the same response. Instead of having to type out the same response every time, use the canned responses tool, also located in the bottom right menu of the compose window.

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