Do you find yourself repeating the same message over and over when using Gmail? The solution is to set up templates to insert responses you say a lot.
3 Dots
The more options menu is represented by 3 dots. CLICK ON IT! In the bottom right of the compose screen in Gmail you will find the 3 dots options menu. You probably have limited options. You want there to be templates as an option so you can send canned responses.
Gmail Settings
To enable canned responses templates go the Settings cog at the top right of Gmail. Then select “See all settings.”
Advanced Tab
In the Gmail settings, click on the “Advanced” tab. Then “Enable” Templates.
Templates are canned responses.
Save Changes
Shockingly, you will need to scroll to the bottom to click a button that says “Save Changes.” I thought Google autosaved stuff…
Want More Help with This? Become a Premium Member
Back to the 3 Dots
Once you have enabled the templates for Gmail and clicked the save changes button, compose a new message. In the bottom right, click on the 3 dots menu.
Templates is now in your More Options menu.
Compose an Email
The subject line of the email will be the title of the canned responses. What is in the body of the email will become the canned response.
You can create a full email response or just a snippet.
Notice in this email that I am not composing an actual email. I am saving a template for me to use. Knowing that I will not fully respond with just this message, I have pushed ENTER to give me space before and after my message. I added some emoji’s and hyperlinked text. This will save me a lot of time trying to look up this resource that I share often with parents.
Delete Your Signature Line
This is a tip! How Templates will work is you will create an email and save it. If you have a signature line and save that email, then your new email will have TWO signatures. You only need to delete the signature line in a fresh email, not completely.
3 Dots to Save
Choose to save your draft email as a template. You can overwrite an old template or you can save as a new template.
Exit the Draft
You do not need to send the email. Simply close the message. The draft is saved. Done.
Inserting Your Canned Response
Start a new email or respond to an email. You can use a canned response that is your full response OR you can use canned responses with snippets. If you have a fresh email, the title of your template will become the subject line. If you already have a subject line it will not override it. Use the 3 dots menu to return to Templates.
Where your cursor is, that is where the canned response will be inserted.
