Create a message rule in Thunderbird

A filter is an action that Thunderbird takes automatically on an arriving or sent message that meets the conditions that you specify in the filter rule.

Thunderbird message filters are the equivalent of Microsoft Outlook’s message rules and you can choose many conditions and actions by using the Thunderbird Filter Wizard.

Below will be an example for setting up a message rule to move messages from a specific user to a designated folder.

This guide is aimed at...

Staff

Instructions

To create a message filter:

1. Highlight the email message you want to set a message rule for and click on the From field email address.

You will now get a drop-down list allowing you to select the option Create Filter From… Select this option.

Fig 1. Location of the Create Filter From option
View a larger version

2. The Filter Rules window will now open with certain fields already set in place for you.

Fig 2. Filter Rules window
View a larger version

3. Fill in a Filter name: for this filter rule and also select the folder you wish new emails from this person will go to. Click OK once you have done this.

Description: Enter a description for this rule

If ANY of the following conditions are met: Set this section to From | contains | email of sender

Perform the following actions: Set this section to Move Message | select folder

Click OK once this is done.

Fig 3. Illustrating setting up a filter
View a larger version

4. You have now successfully created a message filter in Thunderbird. There should be a tick in the Enabled check box to indicate that this filter is active.

Fig 4. Example of enabling the filter
View a larger version

Managing your message rules:

1. To check and manage your message rules, click on Tools > Message Filters…

Fig 5. Location of the Message Filters option
View a larger version

2. The Message Filters window will open with a list of all your message rules. You can create, edit or delete existing rules from here.

Fig 6. The Message Filters window
View a larger version

Related guides and other info:

Help and support

Contact the IT Services.