The email preview window at the bottom of your Gmail inbox is called the reading pane, set to show below the inbox. It’s handy on wide screens but leaves little room for your message list. This guide shows how to turn it off, move it to the right, or bring it back, with both Quick settings and the full Settings page, plus related options like density and inbox type.
Quick Answer
In Gmail on a computer, click the gear icon at the top right. Under Reading pane, choose No split. Emails will open full-screen again instead of in the bottom pane.
Method 1: Quick Settings
- Open Gmail in a browser.
- Click the gear icon (Settings) at the top right.
- Scroll to Reading pane.
- Choose No split to remove it, Right of inbox to show it beside your messages, or Below inbox to keep it at the bottom.
The change takes effect immediately.
Method 2: Full Settings
- Click the gear icon and choose See all settings.
- Open the Inbox tab.
- Under Reading pane, uncheck Enable reading pane, or keep it checked and choose Right of inbox, Below inbox or No split.
- Choose what happens after you archive or delete: Show next conversation or Go back to the thread list, if the option is shown.
- Scroll down and click Save Changes.
Switch Quickly With the Split Toggle
When the reading pane is on, a Toggle split pane mode button appears in the toolbar above your messages. Click it and choose No split, Vertical split or Horizontal split without opening Settings.
Other Layout Settings Worth Checking
- Density: Default, Comfortable or Compact changes how much space each message row takes.
- Inbox type: Default (with category tabs), Important first, Unread first, Starred first, Priority Inbox or Multiple Inboxes.
- Conversation view: groups replies into threads; turn it off to see each email separately.
- Theme: change the background and light or dark look.
For more layout options, see how to change the view in Gmail.
On Phones and Tablets
The Gmail app on phones doesn’t have a reading pane; messages open full-screen. On tablets in landscape, the app shows a split view automatically. Rotate to portrait for a single-pane view.
Why Did the Preview Pane Appear?
- Someone (or a Gmail layout prompt) turned on the reading pane in Quick settings.
- Choosing a layout preset when Gmail updated its design can switch it on.
- The setting is saved to your account, so it appears on every computer you sign in to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the reading pane mark emails as read?
Yes. Opening a message in the reading pane marks it as read, just like opening it full-screen.
Can I resize the reading pane?
Yes. Drag the divider between the message list and the pane.
Why don’t I see the Reading pane option?
Your browser window may be too narrow, or you’re using the mobile site. Widen the window or use a standard desktop browser.
Summary
- Gear icon > Reading pane > No split.
- Or See all settings > Inbox > uncheck Enable reading pane.
- Use the split pane toggle to switch layouts quickly.
- Phones always open emails full-screen.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.