Your inbox can do a lot more than just organize your email

This article has been updated since its original publication on February 1, 2018.

While email's primary function is sending and receiving messages, its versatility extends far beyond this core purpose. The widespread adoption of email means nearly every device and platform supports it, opening up a world of possibilities thanks to numerous email plugins. Here are six unconventional uses for your inbox—and we suspect you'll discover even more!

1. Transform Drafts into Digital Memos: Leverage email's accessibility by using draft emails as a convenient digital notepad. Simply create drafts, leaving the recipient field blank to avoid accidental sending, and use the subject line to describe the note's content. Jot down ideas, to-do lists, contact information, and more. Remember to prioritize inbox security to protect personal information. Access these memos later through your Drafts folder or by searching for keywords.

2. Private Photo Sharing: Create a dedicated email account for sharing photos and memories privately with family and friends, bypassing public social media platforms. Share login details with your chosen group, allowing everyone to contribute and view photos without compromising privacy. This method also works well for collaborative projects like vacation planning.

[Related: Secure photo sharing alternatives to social media]

3. Social Media Posting: Automate social media updates by using IFTTT (If This Then That). Create an applet that triggers a tweet (or Facebook post) whenever you send an email to a specific IFTTT address. You can even include images as attachments. This allows for streamlined posting to multiple platforms simultaneously.

4. Article Curation: Save online articles for later reading by using the "share to email" function (usually a letter icon) found on most websites. For RSS feeds, use IFTTT to automatically deliver articles to your inbox. Alternatively, utilize email-to-read-later services like Pocket or Instapaper to add articles directly to your reading list.

5. Robust File Backup: Your inbox serves as a handy backup solution for receipts, bills, and other important documents. While storage limits exist, paid upgrades or free options like Yahoo Mail (1TB) provide ample space. Attach files, send the email to yourself, and create a searchable archive of your digital life. Note that very large video files might exceed email size limits. Apps like SMS Backup and WhatsApp can also back up your messages to your Gmail account.

[Related: Maximizing cloud storage without extra cost]

6. Email-Powered Blogging: Start and manage a blog directly through your email. Many blogging platforms (Blogger, WordPress) allow you to compose and publish posts via email, simplifying content creation on the go. If your chosen platform doesn't offer native email support, consider using IFTTT to bridge the gap.

Update: Due to the inherent security risks of email, using your inbox as a personal diary is no longer recommended. Consider a physical journal for private thoughts and reflections.

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