What To Know
- With a few tweaks and customizations, you can give Gmail the familiar look and feel of Outlook, making it an ideal option for those who prefer the aesthetics and functionality of Microsoft’s email client.
- To rearrange the folder pane in Gmail to match Outlook’s layout, do the following.
- Outlook’s reading pane displays the contents of an email in a separate window alongside the message list.
For many users, Outlook has long been the quintessential email client. However, Gmail’s dominance in the market has raised the question: can Gmail look like Outlook? The answer is a resounding yes. With a few tweaks and customizations, you can give Gmail the familiar look and feel of Outlook, making it an ideal option for those who prefer the aesthetics and functionality of Microsoft’s email client.
Step 1: Installing the Outlook-Inspired Theme
The first step towards transforming Gmail into Outlook is to install a theme that mimics its design. Here are two popular options:
- Outlook 2016 Theme: This theme provides a close approximation of Outlook 2016’s interface, complete with the blue header bar, ribbon-style navigation, and familiar folder pane.
- Material Design for Gmail: While not an exact replica of Outlook, this theme offers a clean and modern aesthetic that shares some similarities with Outlook’s design.
Step 2: Customizing the Navigation Bar
Outlook’s navigation bar is a prominent feature that allows users to quickly access various email folders and functions. To replicate this in Gmail, follow these steps:
1. Click on the “Settings” icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “See all settings.”
3. Under the “Navigation” tab, check the box next to “Enable custom navigation links.”
4. Click “Save Changes.”
Step 3: Rearranging the Folder Pane
Outlook’s folder pane displays a hierarchical list of email folders. To rearrange the folder pane in Gmail to match Outlook‘s layout, do the following:
1. Click on the “Labels” tab in the left sidebar.
2. Drag and drop the labels (folders) into the desired order.
3. To create new labels (folders), click on the “Create new label” button.
Step 4: Replicating Outlook’s Ribbon
Outlook’s ribbon provides quick access to various email functions. While Gmail does not have a ribbon per se, you can install a browser extension that emulates this feature.
- Ribbon for Gmail: This extension adds a custom ribbon to Gmail, providing shortcuts to common tasks such as composing emails, managing contacts, and scheduling appointments.
Step 5: Customizing the Reading Pane
Outlook’s reading pane displays the contents of an email in a separate window alongside the message list. To enable a similar feature in Gmail, follow these steps:
1. Click on the “Settings” icon.
2. Select “See all settings.”
3. Under the “General” tab, scroll down to the “Reading pane” section.
4. Select “Right of inbox.”
5. Click “Save Changes.”
Step 6: Adding Outlook-Style Quick Actions
Outlook provides quick actions that allow users to perform common tasks on emails, such as replying, forwarding, or deleting. To add similar functionality to Gmail, install the following browser extension:
- Quick Actions for Gmail: This extension adds a toolbar with customizable quick actions to Gmail, making it easier to manage emails efficiently.
Step 7: Enhancing Email Threading
Outlook automatically groups related emails into conversations, known as threads. To improve email threading in Gmail, consider using the following browser extension:
- Conversation View: This extension groups emails into threads and displays them in a tree-like structure, making it easier to follow conversations.
Recommendations: A Seamless Transformation
With these simple customizations, you can transform Gmail into an Outlook-like email client, combining the best of both worlds. By replicating Outlook’s familiar interface, navigation, and functionality, you can enjoy the aesthetics and usability of Outlook while benefiting from Gmail’s powerful features.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Can I use Outlook add-ins in Gmail?
A1: No, Outlook add-ins are not compatible with Gmail. However, there are Gmail-specific add-ons available that provide similar functionality.
Q2: Will my existing Gmail data be affected by these customizations?
A2: No, your Gmail data will not be affected by any of the customizations mentioned in this guide.
Q3: Can I use these customizations on any device?
A3: Most of these customizations are browser-based, so they can be applied on any device with a compatible web browser. However, some browser extensions may not be available for all devices.
