Now that your inbox is set up, let's learn how to manage your emails each day so you can take charge of your inbox.
It’s common to mark emails unread, but this often leads to revisiting the same messages again and again. A better approach, and one of the most powerful habits you can build, is clearing your inbox each day. Clear messages you’re done with, and set Reminders for anything you need to follow up on later. This keeps you focused on what matters most and helps you consistently reach Inbox Zero 📭
Mark Done
Once you’ve actioned an email, mark it Done instead of leaving it read in your inbox.
When you mark a message Done, it’s moved to your Done folder (the archive in Mail). All messages in Done are saved and fully searchable. If someone replies, the conversation returns to your inbox ↪️
⚡ Try It Now
- Select the message, then hit Cmd+K or Ctrl+K → mark Done or E to mark a message Done.
- To navigate to the Done folder, hit Cmd+K or Ctrl+K → go to Done or G then E.
💡 Tip: To move a message into a folder on Desktop, select the message, then hit Cmd+K or Ctrl+K → Move or V.
Remind Me
Instead of keeping a follow-up or important message unread, set a Reminder in Mail to bring it back when it’s time to act.
When you set a Reminder, the message moves to your Reminders folder. It’ll return to your inbox at the time you choose, so you can follow up right on schedule.
⚡ Try It Now
- Select the message, then hit Cmd+K or Ctrl+K → Remind Me or H to set a Reminder.
- Type the day and time you’d like the message to return to your inbox.
- To navigate to the Reminders folder, hit Cmd+K or Ctrl+K → go to Reminders or G then H.
💡 Tip: To help you remember these shortcuts, think E for “empty the inbox,” and H for “hour to be reminded.”
Nice job clearing your inbox! You're two lessons away from mastering the essentials 💥
Up next, you’ll learn how to search your inbox quickly and efficiently👇
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