Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To turn an email into an action item, open it in Gmail and choose Add to Tasks. The task saves to Google Tasks, where you can clarify the action, add a date or other details, and track it through completion. If you give it a date, it also appears in Google Calendar.
Create a task from a Gmail message
On a computer: use Add to Tasks
- Open the email that contains the request or action item in Gmail.
- Click Add to Tasks. If you do not see that control, click More and select Add to Tasks.
- Find the saved task in Google Tasks, including in Gmail’s side panel. Google’s Gmail Help confirms that the task saves to Google Tasks.
On a computer: drag the email to the Tasks panel
- Open Tasks from the right-side panel in Gmail.
- Drag the email into the Tasks panel to create a task from it.
Both desktop methods are documented by Google; neither is identified as faster. Use Add to Tasks when you want an explicit command, or drag-and-drop if the side panel is already open and that feels more convenient in your Gmail layout.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On Android
- Open the email in Gmail.
- Tap More options, then tap Add to Tasks.
- Manage the resulting task in the Google Tasks app.
Google’s Gmail instructions cover this Android workflow. The available guidance does not establish a complete compatibility matrix for every platform and account type.
Recommended Free Tools
Make the task useful after capture
An email subject may not describe the action clearly enough on its own. Once the task is in Google Tasks, edit its title into a specific next step—for example, change “Project update” to “Send the project update to Maya.” Add a detail if you need context to complete the action. Google documents task details and editing in its Workspace Learning Center guide.
#1 Best Overall
- UNDATED DAILY PLANNER - The daily planner is undated, if you miss a day or you are off of work that day you don’t need to waste a page, start use this schedule planner any time.
- Work Smarter with Daily Task Management - This daily planner undated each page includes space for 5 top priorities, 9 to do list,daily schedule from 6am-8pm, notes&ideas and water intake.Break your day into hours and help you work effective.
- A5 SIZE - This undated daily organizer size of 8.5 x 5.8 inch, perfect size to fit in your bag.1 quick reference page, contact pages, important dates page, and 75sheet (150 page) daily plan & notes,8 dotted grid pages, Undated appointment planner makes it easy for you to start the planner at any time.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY - This to do list planner with 100gsm thick paper to reduce ink leakage, erase fraying and shade issues. Sturdy and flexible PP cover to protect the inner pages well. Strong metal and lay-flat twin-wire binding, Planner with inner pocket to store loose items, like tickets, cards etc and elastic closure to protect your planner.
- PERFECT FOR - This day planner features flexible structures that allow you to keep track of goals, tasks, appointments, project, works, habbits etc. Perfect for planner, organizer or academic agenda for school, work or home or makes a great gift for your family members, relatives or friends
Choose a task list that helps you group or find the work. Google Tasks supports task lists, reordering, completion, viewing completed items, and deletion, so you can keep the list organized as requests arrive. These controls are described in the same Workspace Learning Center guide.
Choose whether and when to put the task on your calendar
A task does not need a date just because it came from an email. Leave it undated if there is no meaningful deadline or scheduled time. If there is a real deadline, or you want to set aside a particular time, add a date and, where appropriate, a time. Google Tasks supports dates and times, deadlines, recurring tasks, and subtasks, as described in Google Tasks Help.
Rank #2
- Efficient organization: Undated daily planner with yearly schedule, habit tracker, to-do lists, priorities, follow-up calls, lined pages, and 30-minute schedule from 7:00 am-18:30 pm, all in one place. Perfect for school, work, daily planning, office organization, academic agenda
- PU leather binder: Textured PU leather binder cover, with a 4-ring binder, 9.2 "X 12" in size, suitable for 240 pages, filled paper of 8.5 "X 11.5". It is ideal for business meetings, task organization, and appointments
- 100GSM Thick Paper: 100GSM acid-free paper with smooth touch and clear printing, no bleeding, suitable for most pens, providing a happy writing experience
- Boosts Productivity: Start using this to-do list planner without wasting a page. Manage your daily tasks and stay organized with the ability to write down your jobs every half hour, block in meeting times, pre-schedule tasks, and take miscellaneous notes
- Multifunctional Daily Planner: PU Leather Hardcover, multi-colors, 4-ring binder, 180° flat open, 240 pages refill paper, off-white paper, PVC waterproof page, content page, 3 card pockets, sticky notes, gift box. High-quality design makes it a thoughtful gift for friends and colleagues
| Task setup | What it does | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| No date | The task stays in Google Tasks without being surfaced on a dated Calendar view. | The action matters, but there is no real deadline or scheduled time. |
| Date, with or without a time | A dated task also appears in Google Calendar. | You need a deadline or want the task visible alongside calendar commitments. |
Google documents Calendar visibility for dated tasks in Google Tasks Help and the Workspace Learning Center. A date is a useful planning signal, not a reason to put every captured email on your calendar.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Keep the task current
- When the action changes: edit the task title or details so the next step remains clear.
- When the deadline changes: update the date or time rather than relying on the old schedule.
- When work is done: mark the task complete. You can view completed tasks or delete items you no longer need, using the controls Google documents in its Workspace Learning Center guide.
If Add to Tasks or Google Tasks is unavailable
For a work or school account, an administrator may control access to Google Tasks. If the feature is unavailable in that account, Google advises contacting the administrator; see Google Workspace Admin Help. Availability can vary by account configuration, and the cited guidance does not establish a full platform-and-account compatibility matrix.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Plan, Digitize, Erase, Re-Plan: Write to-do lists, notes, and goals on reusable paper with the Pilot Frixion Pen. Digitize plans using the Rocketbook app and organize in the cloud. When done, simply wipe the pages clean with a damp cloth and reuse.
- 7 Versatile Page Templates: Plan for life and work with Monthly & Weekly Calendar, To-Do List, Goal Tracker, Idea List, and both Dotted and Lined Notebook Pages. Diverse for everything from project management to fitness tracking to household planning.
- App-Enabled for Digital Organization: The Rocketbook app allows you to scan and upload your plans & lists directly to cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneNote, etc. The app-connection ensures your notes are accessible from anywhere.
- High-Quality & Durable Materials: Premium reusable paper, durable spiral binding, and a waterproof cover. The flexible design allows it to lay flat for comfortable writing and planning sessions, whether you're at home, school, or the office.
- Eco-Friendly and Reusable: Replaces the need for traditional paper planners. Designed for sustainability, combining the convenience of 7 reusable page types with the ability to digitize and erase, allowing you to streamline tasks and reduce waste.
Rank #4
- Discover Balance & Boost Productivity: 6-Month Undated B5 Daily Planner, Manifestation Journal & Self Coaching Notebook. Productivity tools created with simplicity in mind, to empower busy people to take back control of their time.
- Planner + Notebook All in 1: Annual Calendar, Notes Index, Monthly & Weekly to do list planner dashboards, 93 numbered dotted note pages for expanded task lists, notes, or sketches. All-in-one business planner, notebook and life organizer.
- Smash Your Goals & Prioritize Wellness: 5 Roles & Goals templates for purposeful goal setting. Reading, Bucket lists, & Self Care journal. AM/PM Routines, habit, nutrition, fitness, and health trackers included. Perfect planners 2025-2026 for women and men.
- Satisfying Writing: High performance planner with stitch-bound lay-flat pages. Sturdy PU leather planner hard & softcover options. 100GSM no-bleed, no-smudge paper. 2 ribbon bookmarks, elastic closure, back pocket and smoothly rounded edges.
- Voted Best Time-Management Planner: NY Magazine Strategist's Best Time-Management Weekly Planner 2026. ADHD planner for adults created by an ADHD sufferer to reduce the overwhelm and rediscover purpose. Pair with Roterunner Erasable Pens!
Rank #3
- PU Cover: Made of waterproof PU leather for daily durability with a textured finish to resist fingerprints and scratches (3.7"x7.4" size fits in any bag)
- Undated Flexibility: The self-filling date system allows you to start planning at any time - ideal for students, professionals and goal setters. Includes 52-week planner + 12-month planner
- Enhanced Writing Space: 5mm grid pages with beige 120gsm ivory paper to reduce ink bleed. 144 pages including 4 blank pages to meet users' needs for creative space
- Dual Bookmark System: 2 color-coded ribbons (red, black) for quick access to monthly/weekly/notes sections, which improves navigation efficiency compared to single ribbon design
- Minimalist and Functional: No distracting quotes or mini calendars - maximize daily writing space
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
