How to Create a Gmail Dock Icon or Desktop Shortcut

Can you guess what’s the first thing people open most mornings?

You guessed it: Gmail!

Perhaps you’re like me, and never close Gmail in the first place. 🙋🏻‍♂️

But I’m not most people, who prefer to shut down at the end of the day so they can enjoy some evening zen. 🧘🏻‍♂️

The next morning, they launch Chrome browser, click on Gmail in the bookmarks bar, or type in mail.google.com. Who’s got time for that?

It’s no wonder so many clients ask: How do I put a Gmail icon on my desktop, in my dock or start menu so I can launch Gmail in one click?

How to create a Gmail shortcut in Chrome browser

1. Open Gmail by typing mail.google.com into the Chrome URL bar.

2. Click the More button in the top right of the Chrome window.

3. Click Cast, save and share.

4. Click Install page as app. If Install page as app is not available, click Create shortcut.

5. In the dialog box that appears, name your app or shortcut. For example, Gmail.

6. If you selected Create shortcut in step 4, above, choose whether you want the shortcut to open as a window. If not, it’ll open as a tab in an existing Chrome window, if there is one.

7. Click Install or Create.

8. A Finder (Mac) or Explorer (Windows) window will open, revealing the new shortcut.

9. Drag the shortcut onto your Desktop, Dock (Mac) or Start Menu (Windows).

10. Enjoy one-click Gmail access! 😀

You can use Create Shortcut… to create a dock icon or desktop shortcut for any Google Workspace app - or any other website.