The Gmail Interface in a Web Browser

Let’s look at the Gmail window as a whole and then discuss the parts.

Main Menu

The Main Menu contains the Compose New Email button, but just as important, you can display types of items within Gmail. For instance, if you started an email but haven’t sent it yet, you can find it by selecting Drafts.

The Email Pane

This area displays the contents of the option selected in the Main Menu. Pictured is the Inbox, but if you selected Drafts, draft emails would show here.

The Side Panel

The Side Panel shows integrated Google services like Calendar and Contacts, allowing you to do things like create a calendar event or update a contact without leaving Gmail. You can also add third-party add-ons by selecting the plus sign.

The Top Panel

The Top Panel contains the search bar and buttons for help, Gmail settings, shortcuts to other Google services, and your Google Account.