# Stop Tabbing Around: Gmail's 'Go-To' Navigation With g then …

> Learn how to use Gmail's "g then …" shortcuts to jump instantly to Inbox, Starred, Sent, Drafts, Labels and more. A simple guide for beginners and intermediates.

- Source: https://www.8apps.co/blog/accelerator-keys-gmail-go-to-shortcuts
- Markdown: https://www.8apps.co/blog/accelerator-keys-gmail-go-to-shortcuts.md
- Published: 2026-03-20
- Author: 8apps Team
- Language: en

---
Most people click their way around Gmail — inbox to starred to drafts to sent — even though Gmail has a faster built-in navigation system.

It's called **Go-To Shortcuts**.

And it works like this: press `g`, then press another key. Two keys. Zero mouse.

This is the single best upgrade for anyone who wants to move through Gmail without losing flow.

---

## 1. What are "Go-To" shortcuts?

They're Gmail's hidden navigation system.

| Shortcut | Destination |
|----------|-------------|
| `g` then `i` | Inbox |
| `g` then `s` | Starred |
| `g` then `t` | Sent |
| `g` then `d` | Drafts |
| `g` then `a` | All Mail |
| `g` then `l` | Labels |
| `g` then `c` | Contacts *(some layouts)* |

One tap to set the category. One tap to land there instantly.

[Accelerator Keys](/free-tools/accelerator-keys) can show these shortcut letters directly on your Gmail UI when you press Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac).

---

## 2. Turn shortcuts ON first

Go-To shortcuts won't work unless Gmail shortcuts are enabled.

**Steps:**

1. Gmail → **Settings**
2. **See all settings**
3. Scroll to **Keyboard shortcuts**
4. Turn **ON**

> *[Screenshot Placeholder: Gmail → Settings → Keyboard shortcuts ON]*

---

## 3. The four Go-To shortcuts you'll use every day

### `g` then `i` → Inbox

Your base of operations. Use this whenever you get lost inside a thread.

*Micro-drill:* Open any email → press `g` → `i` → back to inbox.

---

### `g` then `s` → Starred

Your high-priority, time-sensitive work. Use when:

- You star emails you'll act on later
- You triage with "star now, handle later"

*Micro-drill:* From inbox → press `g` → `s` → return with `g` → `i`

---

### `g` then `t` → Sent

Swiftly jump to your outbox. Use when:

- You want to review what you just sent
- You need to follow up or correct something

*Micro-drill:* Send a test email → press `g` → `t`

---

### `g` then `d` → Drafts

Jump straight into unfinished thoughts. Use when:

- You keep multiple drafts open
- You use drafts as notes or placeholders

*Micro-drill:* Create a draft → press `g` → `d`

---

## 4. The "power moves" for intermediate users

**`g` then `a` → All Mail**

Your full Gmail archive. Great for searching outside the inbox.

**`g` then `l` → Labels**

Deep navigation — jump directly into any label with a few keystrokes.

> *[Screenshot Placeholder: Gmail label list]*

*Bonus tip:* Once inside a label, combine with `J`/`K` to browse fast.

---

## 5. How to practice Go-To shortcuts (2 minutes)

Try this loop:

1. `g` → `i` (Inbox)
2. `g` → `s` (Starred)
3. `g` → `t` (Sent)
4. `g` → `d` (Drafts)
5. `g` → `a` (All Mail)
6. Back to `g` → `i`

Do this twice and you'll never click the sidebar again.

---

## 6. Learning this visually

Gmail won't show you where these shortcuts exist — but [Accelerator Keys](/free-tools/accelerator-keys) will.

Press **Alt** (Windows) or **Option** (Mac) and you'll see:

- Labels with shortcut letters
- Navigation items with hint bubbles
- Visual prompts for all Go-To destinations

You learn the map by seeing it, not memorizing it.

If you prefer learning visually, [add Accelerator Keys to Chrome](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/accelerator-keys-by-8apps/hnlmocmcbfmdmlghdlopniidkcomdbfg?utm_source=8apps&utm_medium=referral) and try pressing Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) inside Gmail.

---

## Screenshot checklist for design

You can insert these once you have assets ready:

- Sidebar screenshot showing Inbox / Starred / Sent / Drafts
- "Keyboard shortcuts ON" settings screenshot
- Overlay screenshot with [Accelerator Keys](/free-tools/accelerator-keys) hint bubbles
- Keyboard visual for `g` then `i`
- Label list screenshot for `g` then `l`

---

## From Eddie's desk…

Most people never discover Go-To shortcuts, yet they're the fastest way to move through Gmail. Once you use them, you stop clicking the sidebar entirely.

Turn shortcuts ON once. Practice the Go-To loop for two minutes.

And if you want to learn visually, press Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) inside Gmail with [Accelerator Keys](/free-tools/accelerator-keys) installed.