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.

How to Filter Similar Messages in Gmail

Follow these instruction to filter similar messages in Gmail, including how to set certain criteria for filters.

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.