gmail-delay-extension

Browser extension for delaying and editing Gmail messages

Gmail Delay & Edit Extension

A browser extension that allows you to delay sending Gmail messages and edit them before they're actually sent. Similar to Boomerang but with longer delay periods and custom functionality.

Features

• ⏰ Delay Email Sending: Choose from preset delays (15 minutes to 1 day) or set custom delays
• ✏️ Edit Queued Emails: Modify subject, body, or delay time before sending
• ❌ Cancel Queued Emails: Stop emails from being sent
• 🔄 Queue Management: View all queued emails in the extension popup
• 🔔 Notifications: Get notified when emails are queued or sent

Architecture

This extension uses a hybrid approach:

• Browser Extension (JavaScript): Integrates with Gmail to intercept sends
• Python Backend (FastAPI): Manages email queue and handles actual sending via Gmail API

Installation & Setup

1. Clone/Download the Repository

git clone https://github.com/yourusername/gmail-delay-extension.git
cd gmail-delay-extension

2. Set Up Python Backend

cd backend
python -m venv venv

# Activate virtual environment
# Windows:
venv\Scripts\activate
# Mac/Linux:
source venv/bin/activate

# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Install Browser Extension

1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/
2. Enable "Developer mode" (toggle in top right)
3. Click "Load unpacked"
4. Select the extension folder from this project
5. The extension should now appear in your extensions list

4. Set Up Gmail API (Optional - for actual sending)

Note: The current version stores emails but doesn't actually send them via Gmail API yet. This will be added in a future update.

1. Go to Google Cloud Console
2. Create a new project or select existing one
3. Enable Gmail API
4. Create credentials (OAuth 2.0)
5. Download credentials and place in backend/ folder

Usage

Starting the System

1. Start the Python backend:

   cd backend
   python main.py

   The server will run on http://localhost:8000

2. Open Gmail in your browser where the extension is installed

Using the Extension

1. Compose an email in Gmail as normal
2. Click "Send" - the extension will intercept this
3. Choose delay time from the popup modal
4. Click "Queue Email" to schedule it
5. Manage queued emails by clicking the extension icon

Managing Queued Emails

• Click the extension icon to see all queued emails
• Edit: Modify subject, body, or delay time
• Cancel: Stop the email from being sent
• Refresh: Update the list of queued emails

Project Structure

gmail-delay-extension/
├── extension/                 # Browser extension files
│   ├── manifest.json         # Extension configuration
│   ├── content.js           # Gmail integration script
│   ├── background.js        # Background processes
│   ├── popup.html           # Extension popup interface
│   ├── popup.js             # Popup functionality
│   └── styles.css           # Extension styles
├── backend/                  # Python backend
│   ├── main.py              # FastAPI server
│   ├── requirements.txt     # Python dependencies
│   └── emails.db            # SQLite database (created automatically)
└── README.md                # This file

API Endpoints

The Python backend provides these REST API endpoints:

• GET / - Health check
• POST /queue-email - Queue a new email
• GET /queued-emails/{user_email} - Get user's queued emails
• PUT /email/{email_id} - Update a queued email
• DELETE /email/{email_id} - Cancel a queued email

Development

Browser Extension Development

The extension uses:

• Manifest V3 for Chrome extensions
• Content Scripts to interact with Gmail's DOM
• Background Scripts for persistent functionality
• Popup Interface for email management

Backend Development

The backend uses:

• FastAPI for the REST API
• SQLite for data storage
• APScheduler for email scheduling
• Pydantic for data validation

Testing

1. Test the backend:

   cd backend
   python main.py
   # Visit http://localhost:8000 to see API docs

2. Test the extension:

   • Load the extension in Chrome
   • Open Gmail and try composing an email
   • Check the browser console for any errors

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Extension not working:

   • Check that the backend server is running on localhost:8000
   • Look for errors in browser console (F12)
   • Ensure extension has proper permissions

2. Server connection errors:

   • Verify Python dependencies are installed
   • Check that port 8000 is available
   • Look at server logs for error messages

3. Gmail integration issues:

   • Gmail's interface changes frequently
   • Check if content.js selectors need updating
   • Try refreshing the Gmail page

Debug Mode

To see detailed logs:

1. Open browser console (F12) when using Gmail
2. Check the background script logs in chrome://extensions/
3. Monitor server logs in the terminal

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

Future Enhancements

• Gmail API integration for actual email sending
• Recurring email scheduling
• Email templates
• Better user authentication
• Mobile app version
• Integration with other email providers

License

This project is open source. Feel free to use, modify, and distribute.

Support

If you encounter issues:

1. Check the troubleshooting section above
2. Look for existing issues in the GitHub repository
3. Create a new issue with detailed information about your problem

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Note: This extension is for educational purposes. Use responsibly and ensure compliance with your organization's email policies.