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Just migrated from Outlook and I have problems with the emails order in a conversation. I would prefer having the last email on top.

Anybody knows of an app that can be used?

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In practical terms, the only way you're going to be able to do that is to interact with Gmail using a POP and/or IMAP client. – Al Everett May 17 '12 at 13:11

1 Answer

While I understand your confusion when first arriving at Gmail, may I suggest not changing it, even if you find a way? Many features in Gmail are specifically designed to make chronological reading more convenient.

One of the reasons to use reverse-chronological ordering is because the newest email also had all the previous replies in it, so you only read one email (bottom to top). But in Gmail, duplicate information is hidden, meaning each email only contains the text unique to that letter. You can read top to bottom without duplication, and in the order of the conversation. When you return to the email later to look at new replies, the previously read emails default to hidden, so they do not clutter up your screen.

Because of this heavy optimization on chronological reading, while it may be possible to find a plugin that alters this behavior, it will also almost certainly reduce the efficiency with which you deal with mail. I recommend you spend a week or two with Gmail before you immediately seek to improve their UI.

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I've used Gmail for years and I always need a button to allow me to read mail in reversed order (my issue is detailed here webapps.stackexchange.com/questions/28595/…) – Nam G. VU Jul 31 '12 at 5:40
Thank you for describing how you feel you are more efficient reading email. Others may be more efficient reading email in ways other than the way you are most efficient. – Charlie 12 hours ago

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