How to Switch to Compact View in the New Gmail

In this guide we’ll walk you through how to switch to compact view in the new Gmail. Basically, making your Gmail look the old way now that Google unleashed a brand new style on the desktop. Then, in February of 2019 these changes made it to the mobile version of Gmail, and here’s how to change it.

Google’s new look delivers a confidential mode, smart replies, email snoozing and a sleek new design. However, humans are creatures of habit, and the new “Default” view in Gmail with inline attachments and huge white spaces is a big change that you might not like.

Fortunately, there are a lot of options and controls, and that includes switching the display style. This allows you to change how much space each email takes up in your inbox. So, if you don’t like the new style, our guide below will show you how to adjust the Gmail view to the compact setting.

How to Change the Inbox Display to Compact View in the New Gmail (Or Comfortable View)

Whether you’re in Google Chrome or some other browser, the easy steps below work anywhere. Plus, they’re saved to your account and will stay no matter what device or browser you use moving forward.

• Step 1: Open Gmail by going to https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox
• Step 2: Sign into your account if you aren’t already
• Step 3: Click the gear-shaped settings button near the top right of your inbox and tap on Display density

• Step 4: Now, choose Comfortable or Compact View and hit OK

You’ll instantly see a difference in the preview as you tap the different modes, so choose what you want and hit OK. Now, you can see more messages on a single page and don’t have all that white space for attachments and images cluttering up the inbox.

Personally, the comfortable view in the new Gmail is best for me. This way each email isn’t taking up too much space, but they’re not so close together that it’s hard to read. Using Compact View in Gmail was too compact for my liking but to each his own.

How to Change the Gmail Style on Mobile (iPhone or Android)

At the end of January and early February of 2019 Google made these changes to the mobile app too. Changing Gmail for mobile for the first time in several years. Now, the entire interface is white, there are tons of spaces, and each attachment fills up more space. Basically, we can’t see as many emails at a time without scrolling.

Thankfully, you can choose from the same Default, Comfortable or Compact viewing modes on mobile.

• Step 1: Open Gmail on mobile and tap the 3-lines menu button at the top left
• Step 2: Scroll down and select Settings and then choose General Settings
• Step 3: Tap on “Conversation list density” and choose Comfortable or Compact

Other Details

It’s worth mentioning that the temporary “Go Back to Classic Gmail” option is no longer available. Basically, once your dekstop and mobile version gets this new Gmail, there is no going back. Your only option is to change the viewing mode as we’ve described above.

While you’re here, learn how to schedule emails in Gmail, use these tips and tricks, or try these Gmail alternatives for Android.