Let me first start off by saying that I do like Google. In fact, Google Maps, Google Calendar and Google Sync for blackberry are my most used apps because they show me the bare minimum of what I want to see. But when it comes to Gmail I have just never really been a fan because of its layout. It just seems too distracting to me. When I go to use a web application I want it to be fast, easy to use and clutter free. Minimalist Gmail helps me do just that.

I Hate Clutter!

Introducing a way to take Gmail back to basics. Way back. Now with a few clicks you can get rid of the stuff you don’t use and focus on what matters most. This simple Firefox extension creates a barely-noticeable label in the top right corner that you click on to give you options as to what you would like to hide. It is tucked away neatly and it gives you just enough control over the Gmail interface.

Download Firefox Extension

* Choose what you want, get rid of the rest.
* Change your mind any time you want.
* Simplify Rows takes the heart of the clutter, hiding unnecessary icons while keeping all the functionality.
* Remove chat, but still respond to incoming requests.
* Remove ads, if you must.
* Hide the header, but get it back in a jiffy. We add an itty-bitty toggle arrow for quick access to the search and settings.

You decide which elements to hide, but if you check all the options, the result is a very satisfying uncluttered Gmail. Like most of you, I love using keyboard shortcuts for common tasks because it makes it easier. Enabling shortcut keys in your Gmail settings really makes this already great web app seem like the perfect desktop app as well. Just remember, this is only a Firefox extension.

Download Firefox Extension

Have you tried this extension yet? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.