Create a task from Email

Gmail's integrated task management feature allows you to convert emails directly into actionable tasks without leaving your email interface. This powerful workflow enhancement helps you maintain productivity by ensuring important emails don't get lost in your inbox and are transformed into clear, actionable items you can track and complete.

When to Use Email-to-Task Conversion

Converting emails to tasks is particularly valuable when you receive emails that require follow-up actions, such as:

• Project requests that need completion by a specific deadline
• Meeting invitations that require preparation or response
• Customer inquiries requiring detailed responses
• Administrative tasks like document reviews or approvals

How Gmail Tasks Integration Works

Gmail's task feature creates a seamless bridge between your email and task management systems. When you convert an email to a task, Gmail automatically:

• Extracts the email subject line as the task title
• Maintains a direct link to the original email for context
• Integrates with Google Calendar for deadline tracking
• Syncs across all your Google Workspace applications

Add an Email to Tasks

To convert an email into a task, start by opening the email you want to transform into an actionable item. Gmail provides a convenient right-click menu option that streamlines this process.

1

Navigate to your Gmail inbox and locate the email you want to convert to a task. Click on the email to open it in your email view. This can be either an email in your inbox list or a specific email thread that requires follow-up action.

2

With the email open, you'll see the email content and various action options. Right-click anywhere within the email content area to open the context menu. This menu provides quick access to various email management functions including the task conversion option.

3

From the context menu that appears, locate and click on "Add to Tasks". This option is typically found among other email actions like "Add to Calendar" and "Create Event". Gmail will immediately process the email and create a corresponding task entry.

4

Once the task is created, Gmail will display the Tasks sidebar on the right side of your screen. The new task will appear in this panel with the email subject line as the task title. You can see the task has been successfully added to your task list and is ready for further organization or completion tracking.

Task Management Features

After converting an email to a task, you gain access to comprehensive task management capabilities:

Task Organization

• Edit Task Title: Modify the automatically generated title to better reflect the required action
• Add Descriptions: Include detailed notes or context about what needs to be accomplished
• Set Due Dates: Assign deadlines that integrate with your Google Calendar
• Create Subtasks: Break down complex email requests into manageable subtasks

Cross-Platform Synchronization

Tasks created from emails automatically sync across all your Google Workspace applications and devices, ensuring you can access and manage your tasks whether you're using Gmail on desktop, mobile, or through other Google applications.

Best Practices for Email-to-Task Conversion

Selective Task Creation

Not every email needs to become a task. Focus on converting emails that require specific actions, have deadlines, or need follow-up beyond a simple reply. This prevents task list clutter and maintains productivity focus.

Task Title Optimization

After creating a task from an email, consider editing the task title to be more action-oriented. Instead of keeping the original email subject, use clear action words like "Review proposal," "Schedule meeting," or "Complete analysis."

Integration with Calendar

Take advantage of the integration between Gmail Tasks and Google Calendar by setting due dates for your email-generated tasks. This creates a comprehensive time management system where your email actions are visible in your calendar planning.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tasks Sidebar Not Visible

If the Tasks sidebar doesn't appear after adding an email to tasks, check that your Gmail interface has the sidebar enabled. You can access Tasks directly by clicking the Tasks icon in the right sidebar or through the Google Apps menu.

Task Not Syncing

If tasks aren't appearing across devices, ensure you're signed into the same Google account on all platforms and that Google Tasks sync is enabled in your account settings.

Advanced Task Management

Beyond basic email-to-task conversion, Gmail's task system supports advanced productivity workflows:

• Bulk task creation from multiple emails using Gmail's selection tools
• Task list organization with custom categories and priority levels
• Recurring task setup for regular email-based responsibilities
• Task sharing and collaboration through Google Workspace team features

Review and Next Steps

Converting emails to tasks in Gmail creates a powerful productivity workflow that prevents important emails from being overlooked and transforms them into actionable items. This integration between email and task management helps maintain organization and ensures follow-up actions are tracked and completed efficiently.

Start by identifying emails in your current inbox that require action beyond simple replies, then practice using the Add to Tasks feature to build this workflow into your daily email management routine. The combination of Gmail's email management with integrated task tracking creates a comprehensive productivity system that scales with your workflow needs.