How to Create Tasks in Gmail

Last Updated: February 16, 2021

This wikiHow teaches you how to add to-do items to your Google Tasks list in Gmail when you're using a computer. Tasks you add in Gmail will be available in any Google app, including Google Calendar.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Creating a Task

1
Open Gmail in a web browser. If you're not already signed in to your account, follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.
2
Click the Tasks button. It's in the icon bar that runs along the right side of the inbox. Look for a round blue icon containing a diagonal white line and orange dot.^{[1]
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- If it's your first time using Tasks, click the blue Get started button in the right column to continue.
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3
Click + Add a task. It's at the top of the right column.
4
Type the task. This is a brief description of the tasks (e.g., Call Mom, Finish essay).
5
Click the pencil to add more details (optional). It's right next to the task name you just typed. On this screen you can add additional details such as:
- A more detailed description.
- The date.
- Subtasks (individual parts of the task).
- Click the arrow at the top of the right column to return to the Tasks list.
6
Add additional tasks. To add the next item, click + Add a task, and then enter the details.
7
Organize tasks into lists (optional). To create a new list, click the drop-down menu at the top of the right column, select Create new list, and then give your list a name. To switch between lists, select the desired list from the drop-down menu.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Saving an Email as a Task

1
Open Gmail in a web browser. If you're not already signed in to your account, follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.
2
Click the Tasks button. It's in the icon bar that runs along the right side of the inbox. Look for a round blue icon containing a diagonal white line and orange dot.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you already have a Tasks list, the list will appear.
- If you've created multiple Tasks lists and want to save an email to a specific one, click the drop-down menu at the top of the right column, and then select a list.
- If it's your first time using Tasks, click the blue Get started button in the right column to continue.
3
Find a message you want to save as a task. You don't need to open the message—just locate it in your inbox.
4
Drag the message to the list. This creates a new task from the email message. The task includes a link to the message for your reference.
5
Click the pencil to add more details (optional). It's right next to the name of the task. Here you can add or edit the date, type a description, and/or add subtasks.
- Click the arrow at the top of the right column to return to the list.
6
Organize tasks into lists (optional). To create a new list, click the drop-down menu at the top of the right column, select Create new list, and then give your list a name. To switch between lists, select the desired list from the drop-down menu.

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Community Q&A
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Question

Does Google have a task manager?

Marc Crabbé
Google Suite Expert
Marc is a translator and International Project Manager, who has been working in Google Suite for project management since 2011.

Marc Crabbé

Google Suite Expert

Expert Answer

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On the bottom right corner of your Gmail screen, hit the left arrow to deploy the side panel. Here is your task manager.