Email is one of the most common methods of communication in both personal and professional settings. Sometimes you realize after sending an email that you need to modify the subject line.
To change the subject line of an email, go to Sent Mail, open the email, and double click the existing subject line. Type the new desired subject text over the old and press Enter to save changes. The updated subject will now appear for all recipients of that email.
This article provides effective methods for how to change subject line in gmail.
Key Takeaways
- Access sent emails by navigating to the Sent folder or Sent Items in Gmail, Outlook, and mobile apps. Locate the message you want to modify.
- Double click or long press the existing subject line, then edit the text or choose “Edit subject” from the menu. Type a new subject directly over the old one.
- For draft emails, simply click or tap into the subject field in the compose window and update the text.
- Be concise, clear, and accurate with new email subjects. Place key details at the beginning.
- Limit edited subjects on mobile to 1-2 brief lines for visibility. Take advantage of built-in editing tools in apps.
Access Sent Emails in Gmail
To change a sent email’s subject line in Gmail, you first need to access the sent message. Here are the steps to view sent emails:
On Desktop
- Click the arrow next to the inbox folder in the left sidebar. This will display a dropdown menu.
- Select the “Sent Mail” folder. This displays all messages you have sent.
In Mobile Browsers
- Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- Choose “Sent” from the menu. You will see all sent emails.
In the Gmail Mobile App
- Tap the hamburger menu in the top left of the app.
- Select “Sent” to view your sent messages.
Once in the Sent folder, scroll to locate the email you want to modify.
Edit the Subject Line of a Sent Email
With the sent message open, here is how to change the subject line in Gmail:
On Desktop
- Double click on the current subject line. This will highlight it.
- Type the new subject text.
- Press enter when finished. The new subject will save automatically.
In Mobile Browsers
- Tap and hold on the subject line of the email.
- Choose “Edit subject” from the popup menu.
- Type the new subject and tap “Save” when complete.
In the Gmail App
- Tap and hold the subject line of the sent email.
- Select “Edit subject” from the menu.
- Edit the subject text and tap “Save.”
That’s all there is to it! The edited subject line will now appear for all recipients of that email.
How to Change Subject Line in Gmail Before Sending
It’s easier to modify your email subject line before sending the message. Here’s how to update the subject of a draft email:
On Desktop
- In the compose window, click on the subject field.
- Edit the text as needed. The new subject saves automatically.
In Mobile Browsers
- In the email compose window, tap the subject field.
- Change the subject text.
- Tap outside the field to save changes.
In the Gmail App
- While composing a message, tap the subject line.
- Edit the subject as desired.
- Tap the back arrow or outside the field to save edits.
Tips for Effective Email Subject Lines
Whether modifying a sent email or writing a new message, keep these tips in mind for email subjects:
Be Clear and Concise
Aim for subject lines under 50 characters when possible. Get right to the point about the email topic and purpose.
Include Relevant Keywords
Include a few keywords related to the email content. This helps the recipient understand the gist of the message.
Put the Core Info Up Front
Lead with the most important words, names, or phrases so recipients immediately understand the essence of the email.
Use Appropriate Punctuation
Punctuation can help segment long subjects. But avoid overusing exclamation points, all caps, etc.
Avoid Vague Subjects Like “Update”
Give recipients key details instead of broad terms that require opening the email to grasp the topic.
Consider Using Emojis and Brackets
Emojis or brackets around non-essential words help brevity. But don’t overdo it or use unprofessional emojis.
How to Change Subject Line in Gmail: Modify the Subject Line in Outlook
Outlook offers similar capabilities for modifying the subject lines of sent and unsent emails.
Here is how to change subjects in Outlook on desktop and web.
Access Sent Emails in Outlook
To alter a sent email subject in Outlook:
On Desktop
- Select the “Sent Items” folder in the left pane. You’ll see your sent messages.
On Outlook Web
- Click “Sent” under Folders in the left sidebar. Your sent emails will display.
Locate the message you want to modify in the Sent Items folder.
Edit the Subject of a Sent Email
With the email open in Sent Items, follow these steps:
On Desktop
- Double click the current subject to highlight it.
- Type the new subject text and press enter to save changes.
On Outlook Web
- Hover over the current subject and click the down arrow.
- Select “Edit Subject” from the dropdown menu.
- Update the subject text and click outside the field to save edits.
The new subject will appear for all recipients of the email.
Update the Subject Before Sending
To modify the subject line before sending an Outlook email:
On Desktop
- In the open message window, highlight and edit the text in the subject field.
- Press enter to save the new subject.
On Outlook Web
- While composing the email, click inside the subject field to edit the text.
- Press enter or click outside the field to update the subject.
Change the Subject Line on Mobile Outlook
The Outlook mobile app for iOS and Android provides useful tools for modifying the subject lines of emails on the go.
With the Outlook app, you can edit the subjects of already sent emails as well as unsent draft messages.
Here are the steps:
Access Sent Emails
To edit a sent email subject in the Outlook mobile app:
- Tap the hamburger menu in the top left corner.
- Choose “Sent” to view your sent messages.
- Locate the email you want to modify.
Edit the Subject of a Sent Email
With the sent email open:
- Long press on the current subject line.
- Select “Edit subject” from the popup menu.
- Type the new subject and tap “Save” when complete.
The updated subject will display for all recipients.
Update the Subject Before Sending
To change the subject when composing a new email:
- Tap the existing subject line while drafting the email.
- Edit the subject text as desired.
- Tap outside the field to save changes.
How to Forward an Email Thread with Updated Subject
When forwarding a long email chain or thread to new recipients, it is courteous to update the subject line to reflect the current topic or question at hand. This provides context for the new recipients.
Here are tips for modifying subjects when forwarding threads:
Remove Unnecessary Reply History
Delete older replies that are no longer relevant before forwarding long threads. This helps keep the message concise for new people.
Extract and Highlight Keywords
Scan the most recent replies for important keywords, names, or phrases that summarize the crux of the discussion. Include these prominently in the new subject.
Specify Question or Topic
Clearly state the open question, outstanding issue, or topic needing input from new recipients joining the thread. Be as descriptive as possible while remaining concise.
Use Indicators Like “Fwd: “
Include “Fwd:” or “Forward:” at the beginning of the new subject so recipients see it is a forwarded thread requiring their input. The colon signals an updated subject.
Retain Critical Original Content
If instructive details from older replies provide needed context, leave key portions of that content in the forwarded message body while updating the subject line accordingly.
Remove Unnecessary Reply Notations
Delete repetitive “Re: Re: Re:” in the existing subject and simplify for new recipients focused on responding to the latest issue or query.
| Email Platform | Access Sent Email | Edit Sent Email Subject | Edit Draft Email Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gmail Desktop | Go to Sent Mail folder | Double click subject to highlight, type new text, press enter to save | In compose window, click into subject field, edit text |
| Gmail Mobile App | Tap Sent in hamburger menu | Long press subject, select “Edit subject”, type new text, save | Tap existing subject in draft, edit, tap outside field to save |
| Outlook Desktop | Go to Sent Items folder | Double click subject to highlight, type new text, press enter to save | In compose window, highlight subject text, edit, press enter to save |
| Outlook Web | Click Sent in left sidebar | Hover over subject, choose “Edit subject”, update text | In draft, click into subject field, edit text, click outside to save |
| Outlook Mobile | Tap Sent in hamburger menu | Long press subject, choose “Edit subject”, type new text, tap Save | In draft, tap subject line, edit text, tap outside field to save |
How to Change Subject Line in Gmail on Mobile
Smartphones provide a convenient way to manage email and modify subjects on the go. With more people accessing email primarily on mobile, it’s important to understand how to edit subjects quickly and easily within email apps.
Mobile email use introduces some unique considerations for changing subjects compared to desktop. The smaller screen makes reviewing and editing subjects more difficult. But mobile email apps provide dedicated tools to update subjects with just a few taps.
Here are some tips for modifying email subjects in mobile apps:
Act Quickly After Sending
If catching a mistake right after sending, switch to the Sent folder and edit the subject line before too much time passes. This prevents confusion.
Double Check Accuracy
Review the new subject carefully before saving changes. Editing subjects on a small screen makes it easy to introduce typos by mistake.
Keep It Short
Write even more concisely for mobile subjects than desktop. Long subjects are harder to read and edit on a small display.
Use Mobile Drafting Tools
Compose new emails in mobile apps that allow editing subjects prior to sending. This avoids follow-up edits.
Forward Only Relevant Content
When forwarding long threads, prune content thoroughly so new recipients get only details vital for responding on mobile.
Gmail and Outlook Subject Line Best Practices
Here are some final best practices for crafting and modifying email subjects in Gmail, Outlook, and other email services:
- Edit subjects as soon as possible to prevent miscommunication.
- Avoid overusing formatting like ALL CAPS, repeat punctuation, or excessive emojis in professional emails.
- Proofread new subjects thoroughly before sending or saving changes.
- Delete unnecessary old replies and summarize key details when forwarding long threads.
- On mobile, be even more concise and selective with email content and subjects.
- Never include confidential information in email subjects.
- Test modified subjects by sending yourself a copy before forwarding threads.
- Modify vague general subjects like “Update” to provide true context.
- Position critical keywords and phrases at the start of mobile subjects for visibility.
- Limit edited thread subjects on mobile to 1-2 brief lines to retain clarity.
Following these best practices will help ensure clear, effective email subjects both when initially writing emails and when modifying subjects later on. Concise, informative subjects reduce miscommunication and errors.
FAQs
Can I add images to my Gmail subject lines?
No, you cannot add images to your Gmail subject lines.
Does changing the subject affect email recipients?
Yes, all recipients of that email will see the new subject line you entered.
Is there a character limit for Gmail subject lines?
Gmail allows up to 100 characters, but keep subjects under 50 when possible for optimal visibility.
What are some tips for writing good email subjects?
Be clear and concise, lead with keywords, avoid vague terms like “Update”, and proofread carefully.
Can I modify the subject of a draft email in Gmail?
Yes, just click into the subject field as you compose your message and edit the text before sending.
Conclusion
Changing the subject line in Gmail is a simple but effective way to improve your communication. By following the tips in this article, you can learn how to change subject line in gmail, write subject lines that are clear, concise, and engaging. This will help you get your emails opened and read more often.
