BAREMAIL

What is BAREMAIL?

BAREMAIL is an open-source, lightweight Gmail web client that prioritizes fast loading and low bandwidth usage above everything else. The entire app shell is under 60KB gzipped and is cached by a service worker on first visit, meaning repeat visits cost zero bytes. It connects directly to the Gmail API via OAuth — your emails never touch a third-party server. BAREMAIL supports offline email reading and queued outbox messages that send when you reconnect, keyboard-driven navigation (vim-style shortcuts), and a minimal, distraction-free interface available in both light and dark themes. It's free, self-hostable, and MIT licensed.

How to use BAREMAIL?

1. Visit baremail.app in any modern browser — no install, no app store download needed.
2. Sign in with your Google account via Gmail API OAuth; your credentials stay in your browser.
3. Read your inbox instantly — the entire app loads in under KB, even on slow connections.
4. Navigate with keyboard shortcuts (j/k to move, o to open, c to compose, r to reply, e to archive).
5. Compose and send email as normal; messages queue in the outbox if offline and send automatically when reconnected.

Core Features

• Ultra-lightweight App Shell — The entire UI is under KB gzipped and cached by a service worker, costing zero bytes on repeat visits.
• Offline-first Inbox — Read cached emails with no connection; compose and queue messages that send automatically when back online.
• Direct Gmail API Connection — Authenticates via OAuth and talks directly to Google's servers — no proxy, no data on third-party servers.
• Keyboard-driven Navigation — Vim-style shortcuts (j/k, o, c, r, e) for fast inbox management without touching the mouse.
• Zero Install — Works in any modern browser; install as a PWA to launch from your dock without an app store.
• Light + Dark Theme — Respects your system preference with a toggle, featuring a distinct amber terminal aesthetic.
• Open Source & Self-hostable — MIT licensed with a minimal, readable codebase; fork, self-host, or contribute on GitHub.

Use Cases

• Airplane Wifi Email — A frequent flyer uses BAREMAIL to check and reply to emails on spotty in-flight wifi where Gmail won't load.
• Rural or Low-bandwidth Access — A user in a developing region with slow mobile data gets their email in kilobytes instead of megabytes.
• Privacy-conscious Gmail Access — A developer wants to use Gmail without routing data through third-party email clients or proxies.
• Power User Keyboard Workflow — A keyboard-driven developer manages their inbox entirely with vim-style shortcuts without touching the mouse.
• Self-hosted Email Client — A developer forks BAREMAIL and hosts their own minimal Gmail interface on their own infrastructure.