Gmail CLI Tool

A zero-dependency Python tool that lets you send emails from the command line using Gmail SMTP. Install with a single command, configure once, and send emails from scripts, automation workflows, or AI agents.

Quick Install

macOS / Linux

curl -sSL https://colinknapp.com/tools/gmail-cli/install.sh | bash

Windows PowerShell

iwr -useb https://colinknapp.com/tools/gmail-cli/install.ps1 | iex

Setup: Gmail App Password

Gmail requires an App Password for SMTP access (your regular password won't work with 2FA enabled). Here's how to set one up:

Go to myaccount.google.com/apppasswords
Enable 2-Step Verification if you haven't already
Generate an App Password for "Mail"
Run gmail-cli configure and enter your Gmail address and the App Password

gmail-cli configure

Usage Examples

Simple Email

gmail-cli send recipient@example.com -s "Hello" -b "Hi there!"

Email with Attachments

gmail-cli send recipient@example.com \
  -s "Weekly Report" \
  -b "Please find the report attached." \
  -a report.pdf \
  -a data.csv

Pipe Content from stdin

cat logfile.txt | gmail-cli send admin@example.com -s "Server Logs"

Test Connection

gmail-cli test

Command Reference

Command	Description
`gmail-cli configure`	Set up Gmail credentials (interactive)
`gmail-cli configure --email x --password y`	Set credentials non-interactively
`gmail-cli send TO -s SUBJ -b BODY`	Send an email
`gmail-cli send TO -s SUBJ -a FILE`	Send with attachment(s)
`gmail-cli test`	Test SMTP connection
`gmail-cli config`	Show current configuration

Features

Zero dependencies: Uses only Python 3 standard library
Cross-platform: Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows
Secure: Uses Gmail App Passwords and TLS encryption
Simple: One-line installation, easy configuration
Flexible: Supports attachments, stdin input, and automation

Read the full story about gmail-cli →

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