Google has contributed many useful applications and utilities to the average computer user, but one of the biggest standalone contributions that Alphabet, Inc. has made is Gmail, its email program. While this communications tool is comprehensive on its own, it only becomes more useful when paired with the right extensions. Today, we’ll review some of the ones that can best help you boost and sustain high levels of productivity.

Background
Before we tell you which apps you are going to want to download, we first want to tell you about where and how to get the apps we will write about today. On order to get the best out of your Gmail experience, you will want to be using the Chrome web browser. While there are plenty of useful Gmail apps available for other browsers, the best experience will be through Google Chrome.

To get the extensions, you’ll need to use the Chrome web store. If you are unfamiliar with the Chrome web store, and you use the Chrome browser, your experience will improve dramatically very soon. In the Chrome web store you can find all types of applications, extensions, and themes that will make your daily browsing a much better time. To access the Chrome web store from Gmail, your best bet is to search “Chrome App Store” in the protocol bar and follow the links. You can also try to access it from your Gmail inbox by clicking on the nine-button menu in the title bar, but if you are a heavy Chrome user, your most utilized apps will be found here.

When you do get to the Chrome web store, you’ll notice it is a pretty simple interface with a search bar in the left column and the applications on the right.

Simply search the apps we suggest below (or find your own) and you will get access to the apps inside of Gmail, Docs, Chrome, and more. Without further adieu, here are five apps that will definitely help you get more out of Gmail.

Boomerang
Boomerang is an extension that, when set, will notify you if an email you’ve sent hasn’t been responded to in a certain amount of time. It also provides quite a few options including one to send your message at a later time, track the responses, request receipts, and one that uses an A.I. integration to help you write better emails.

Todoist for Gmail
Todoist is task management Gmail integration at its finest. You can change your emails into individual tasks, which then you can aggregate and finish. If you are someone that could always use a list, Todoist for Gmail is right for you.

Ginger
Ginger is a grammar and spelling checker for Gmail. If you aren’t great with grammar and spelling, the Ginger app can provide the ultimate avenue for writing professional emails.

Mailvelope
Mailvelope works to enhance the security of your Gmail interface. By adding encryption to your emails and attachments you’ll ensure that sensitive information doesn’t end up where it doesn’t belong.

Checker Plus for Gmail
The Checker Plus for Gmail extension allows you to access your inbox directly from the extension bar at the top right part of the screen. This extension saves time; and, with many of the same options that you’d find in the full browser view, you aren’t sacrificing your experience by using Checker Plus.

Gmail is the most utilized and respected name in cloud-based email in the world. Now with integrated extensions, you can build the custom Gmail interface that works for all of your needs. The IT professionals at 415 IT would love to hear how you use Gmail or Chrome extensions to your benefit. Leave your productivity tips in the comments, and return to our blog regularly for more great technology content.