Google Tasks keyboard shortcuts
In Google Tasks on the web, press Enter to add a task, Space to mark it complete, and ⌘] or Ctrl+] to indent it as a subtask (⌘[ or Ctrl+[ to undo the indent). Move a task with ⌘ or Ctrl and the up or down arrow, and press ⌘/ or Ctrl+/ to see the full list. In Gmail, with keyboard shortcuts on, g then k opens Tasks and Shift+T adds the open email as a task.
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In Google Tasks
These are the shortcuts Google lists for Google Tasks on the web. They work while the task list has focus, in tasks.google.com or the Tasks side panel. On Windows and Chromebooks, use Ctrl where a Mac uses ⌘.
| Action | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Add a task | Return | Enter |
| Add a task below this one | Return (outside the notes field) | Enter |
| Add a subtask below | ⌘ ⌥ Return | Ctrl + Alt + Enter |
| Mark complete | Space | Space |
| Indent (make a subtask) | ⌘ ] | Ctrl + ] |
| Remove the indent | ⌘ [ | Ctrl + [ |
| Move up or down | ⌘ ↑ or ⌘ ↓ | Ctrl + ↑ or Ctrl + ↓ |
| Move to the top or bottom | ⌘ ⇧ ↑ or ⌘ ⇧ ↓ | Ctrl + Shift + ↑ or ↓ |
| Select the first task | ⌥ ↑ | Home |
| Select the last task | ⌥ ↓ | End |
| Finish editing | Esc or Return | Esc or Enter |
| More actions, or move to another list | . or v | . or v |
| Star a task | s | s |
| Undo | ⌘ Z | Ctrl + Z |
| Print a list | ⌘ P | Ctrl + P |
| Show every shortcut | ⌘ / | Ctrl + / |
Google’s help also lists + or = to add a star and - to remove one, and Alt with the up or down arrow to move a highlighted list in the list of lists.
In Gmail
Gmail’s shortcuts need turning on first: Settings › See all settings › General › Keyboard shortcuts on.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Go to Tasks | g then k |
| Add the open email to Tasks | Shift + T |
| Move between the side panel and your inbox | ⌘ ⌥ , and ⌘ ⌥ . (Ctrl + Alt on Windows) |
Shortcuts that work from any app
Google’s shortcuts work only while Tasks or Gmail is in front. If you want to add a task without switching to the browser, you need an app that sets a system-wide shortcut. On a Mac, Sidekick (coming soon) has three:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Add a task from any app | ⌃ ⌥ N |
| Show or fold all stacks | ⌃ ⌥ T |
| Hide or show Sidekick | ⌃ ⌥ H |
Tasks you add this way go straight to Google Tasks, so they’re on your phone a moment later. The Mac guide covers the other ways to keep Google Tasks in view.
Questions
How do I make a subtask in Google Tasks with the keyboard?
Select the task and press ⌘] on a Mac or Ctrl+] on Windows to indent it under the task above. ⌘[ or Ctrl+[ moves it back out. To add a new subtask below the one you're on, press ⌘⌥Return on a Mac or Ctrl+Alt+Return on Windows.
Does Tab indent a task in Google Tasks?
Google's list of shortcuts doesn't include Tab. Use ⌘] or Ctrl+] to indent and ⌘[ or Ctrl+[ to outdent.
What's the shortcut to open Google Tasks in Gmail?
Turn on keyboard shortcuts in Gmail's settings, then press g followed by k. Shift+T adds the email you're reading to Tasks.
Can I add a Google Task from anywhere with a shortcut?
Not with Google's own apps: their shortcuts work only while Google Tasks or Gmail is open in the browser. On a Mac, Sidekick (coming soon) adds a task from any app with Control-Option-N.