Tip of the Week: Gmail Is Made Even Easier When You Use Filters

Your email inbox can quickly become an overwhelming mess without the proper management, but who has the time to sort through their email inbox on top of all of their other, more urgent responsibilities? Fortunately for Gmail users, the program provides the answer with its filter feature. For this week’s tip, we’ll show you how to regain control of your inbox with filters.

First, look to Gmail’s search bar at the top of the window and click the down arrow it has on its right side. A drop down will appear with numerous fields, allowing you to narrow your search. These fields include:

• From, or the sender of the message
• To, or the recipient of the message
• Subject
• Has the words
• Doesn’t have

These fields end with checkboxes allowing you to include messages with attachments in your search, and the ability to omit chat messages. You can also search based on message size and the date received.

Once these fields are filled out, you’ll be given the option to Create filter with this search, from which you can further customize the filter with more options. Once you’ve finished, click Create Filter.

You can also use a specific message to create a filter. Use the checkbox to identify the message that will inform the filter and click the More button that is above the message. You’ll be given the option to Filter messages like these and a few additional properties to assign to the filter.

If you need to return to a filter to edit it, access Settings via the gear icon in the right corner of the window to find Filters and Blocked Addresses. Out of the list of every filter you’ve created, select the one you’re ready to edit and make your changes, or delete the filter outright.

How likely is it that you’ll start to use these filters? Let us know in the comments, and make sure you subscribe to this blog for more tips!