Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
4. From the provided pop-up menus, choose the action you want the rule to
perform on a message if (and only if) it matches the condition you just
specified. (Just ahead I explain how to handle rules that include multiple
actions.) Here are some examples:
[Move Message] to mailbox: [Filed]
[Set Color of Message] [of background] [Blue]
[Reply to Message]
[Mark as Read]
If you use a rule to move a message, choose your target mailbox carefully. In
general, unless you mean to specifically archive the message to a local mailbox,
you'll want to move it to a server-based mailbox—most likely in the same
account—so the message will be available on all your iOS devices and other
Macs.
5. Click OK.
An alert appears, asking if you want to apply your rules (including the one you
just created) to messages in selected mailboxes.
6. Click Apply or Don't Apply, as you prefer. I generally suggest clicking Don't
Apply, because applying new rules to messages in open mailboxes can have
unexpected and potentially unpleasant results.
7. If you're finished creating rules, close the Preferences window.
Your new rule now checks all incoming messages for matches and performs the actions on
them that you set.
Rule Examples
One of the most common uses for rules is to process repetitive messages. If you find yourself
filing, flagging, or deleting a certain type of message at least once a week, you can save
time and effort by setting up a rule to do it for you. Examples are mailing lists, utility bills,
bankstatements, newsletters, traveldiscountoffers,andjokesforwardedbyfriendsorfamily
members.
Here are a few rules I use:
TidBITS issues:
If Any of the following conditions are met:
