Learn to Filter Similar Messages in Gmail

Gmail filters direct and classify emails according to the criteria you specify. The easiest way to set up a filter is to base it on an individual email you have received. Here's how:

1. Open an email you would want Gmail to filter automatically, such as one from a specific person or company.

2. Select the More icon (three vertical dots) above the email.

   

3. Select Filter messages like these from the menu.

   

4. Adjust the filter criteria.

   • If you want to filter messages from the same sender, you're all set.
   • To filter messages to a mailing list or one of your addresses, enter it in the To line.
   • Use the Subject field to filter for words and phrases in the subject line.
   • Use Has the words and Doesn't have to look for or exclude words or phrases in the message body.
   • Use quotation marks to match entire phrases.
   • Use I or OR to make the rule match one or the other. For example, me@example.com|you@example.com filters messages received from either me@example.com or you@example.com.
   • Place a check in the box next to Has attachment to filter only emails with attachments.
   • Place a check in the box next to Don't include chats, if desired.
   • Indicate any size limitations.

   

5. Choose Create filter.