Google is updating the way multiple inboxes work in Gmail.

Google is enhancing multiple inboxes to support independent scrolling, a unified toolbar, and adjustable width in right-side configurations.

In addition, multiple inboxes will no longer support three-pane layouts with the preview pane (renamed “reading pane”) view.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why it’s important

Multiple inboxes help you break out key emails, like important tasks or those from specific people, and make them visible alongside your main inbox in Gmail, in a completely customizable way.

Additional details

Split pane configurations no longer supported
Beginning February 20, 2020, for Rapid release domains and March 5, 2020, for Scheduled release domains, multiple inboxes with preview pane (to be renamed “reading pane”) configurations will no longer be supported.

If you currently have multiple inboxes in an unsupported configuration, you will see a notification in Gmail informing you of this upcoming change. Once this change takes effect, the preview pane will turn off if you use multiple inboxes. If you want to continue using preview pane (i.e. reading pane), you’ll need to use an inbox type other than multiple inboxes. You can do this by going to Settings > Inbox > Inbox type.

Checkout Google's New Changes to Multiple Inboxes in Gmail 1

Notification banner in Gmail

Checkout Google's New Changes to Multiple Inboxes in Gmail 2

Inbox type settings in Gmail

Configure multiple inboxes and reading pane more easily

On these dates, Google also is relocating the settings for multiple inboxes out of the “Advanced” tab and into the “Inbox” tab along with other inbox configurations to better align with user expectations.

Checkout Google's New Changes to Multiple Inboxes in Gmail 3

Once these changes go into effect, you’ll be able to enable or disable the reading pane by clicking the gear icon and selecting Settings > Inbox > Reading pane. With reading pane view, you can open mail next to your list of conversations, making mail reading and writing faster while also providing more context.

Checkout Google's New Changes to Multiple Inboxes in Gmail 4

Reading pane settings in Gmail

Individual scroll bars for multiple inboxes, adjustable panels, and collapsible sections

Starting on these dates, when the right side configuration of multiple inboxes is enabled, each inbox will have an individual scroll bar. This will allow you to scroll in either inbox separately as needed so you can more flexibly navigate your email. Previously, you could only scroll both inboxes at once.

The divider at the right side between the inbox and the multiple inbox sections will become adjustable, allowing you to minimize or maximize each panel as needed.

Also with this update, additional sections in multiple inboxes are now collapsible.

Checkout Google's New Changes to Multiple Inboxes in Gmail 5

A single action toolbar for multiple inboxes

There will also be one action toolbar across multiple inboxes. This will allow users to take actions across multiple sections and ensure that triage functionality and keyboard shortcuts work consistently. Currently, at the top of each inbox, there is a separate toolbar for each section in the bottom and top configurations, but no toolbar for any of the additional sections for the right-side configuration. Now, there will be one unified toolbar for the whole inbox in all configurations.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for these features.

End users: Once these changes begin rolling out to your domain, the preview pane will turn off if you use multiple inboxes. If you want to continue using the preview pane, you’ll need to use an inbox type other than multiple inboxes. You can do this by going to Settings > Inbox > Inbox type.

Individual scroll bars, adjustable panels, collapsible sections within multiple inboxes, and the single action toolbar will be available by default.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 20, 2020
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 5, 2020