All Things Google: The New Gmail Compose - ProfHacker - The Chronicle of Higher Education

We’re probably at the point here at ProfHacker where we might not have to tell you that we tend to like all things Google. So I was plenty interested when Gmail rolled out a new interface for writing a few weeks ago that makes it a lot easier to multi-task while writing emails. In the past, composing email worked in the same way that reading them did: it took up your entire screen. The new writing environment drops a compose window in the lower-right corner of your inbox.  At first, you might be a bit annoyed about the smaller space for writing. And many of the formatting options that you’ve grown used to having right above the compose space in Gmail have been tucked inside different menus. Where, for instance, is the option to add bullet points? How do I CC someone? It turns out the bullets (and most of the other formatting options, including font sizes, indenting and colors) live under the 'A.' The option to CC someone appears once you click on recipients.  While it might take you a while to figure out where all of your options now live, the real advantage of the new compose is that you can now move throughout Gmail while composing. Looking at different emails or conversations, running searches, even changing your Gmail settings can all be done while keeping your compose window open. This ability is worth the price of entry alone (and, of course, the price is free)..."