If you are Gmail users then you should know that using Gmail is very easy and provides many interesting features. You must be aware of Labs feature in Gmail which allows you to add many extra functions to your email. There are lots of features in this section which you can enable or disable at any time according to your convenience. This posts covers about the 5 must have Gmail Labs features which will help increase your productivity and save time.

To enable these features click on the green icon present at the top right hand corner in your Gmail window. Now you can see Labs features, scroll down to see the feature that you want to enable and click Enable radio button next to it.

Mouse gestures

This is the most interesting and time saving Gmail lab feature I found. After enabling this feature you can use your mouse to move between conversations. Press and hold right button of your mouse and move it to left to go to previous conversation or mail. Press and hold right button of your mouse and move it to right to go next conversation, moving your mouse up will take you directly to the inbox.

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Gmail provides you with many simple keyboard shortcuts if you do not like to use your mouse. Using keyboard to perform function on Gmail can save you time and also convenient to use. If you do not like default keyboard shortcuts for any function then enable this feature to set your custom keyboard shortcuts. By enabling this feature you can easily navigate between screens and set to perform additional functions.

Forgotten Attachment Detector

It is very common for anyone to forget certain things. Forgetting files to attach with a mail, this might have happened with most of us. But not anymore after enabling this lab feature, it will automatically notify you regarding any attachment that you have mentioned in the mail but forgot to attach it. So you will not send any mail accidentally without attaching the said file.

Inserting Images

This Gmail Lab feature enables you to insert images directly in the mail. If you like to send some pictures to your family or friends, you might be attaching them to the mail to share. By enabling this lab feature you can directly insert any image from your computer or image urls to the message body.

Google Calendar Gadget

Google Calendar is one another useful application from Google. By enabling this lab feature you can view your Google Calendar within your Gmail window. This gadget will add Google Calendar in the left column in your Gmail window. Using this gadget you can see your schedule, upcoming events, appointments and other details that you have entered in your calendar.