GMail

1. Understanding Gmail Organization

Gmail doesn’t use traditional “folders.”
Instead, it uses labels, which you can apply to any email (even multiple labels at once).
Filters automatically sort messages for you.

2. How to Create Labels (Folders)

On a computer
Open gmail.com.
On the left side, scroll down and click More.
Click Create new label.
Type the label name (e.g., “Work,” “Receipts,” “Family”).
Click Create.
On a phone
You can apply labels, but you cannot create new ones in the mobile app. To create labels, use a computer or browser.

3. How to Apply Labels to Emails

Method A: From the inbox
Check the box next to an email.
Click the Label icon (looks like a tag).
Select the label(s) you want.
Click Apply.

Method B: Inside an email
Open the email.
Click the Label icon.
Choose the label(s).
Click Apply.

4. How to Make Filters (Automatic Sorting)

Filters help Gmail organize itself for you.

How to create a filter
In Gmail, click the search bar at the top.
Click the down arrow on the right side.
Enter conditions such as:
From: a specific person
Subject: words like “invoice” or “receipt”
Has the words: anything you want
Click Create filter.
What your filter can do
You can tell Gmail to automatically:
Apply a label
Skip the Inbox (archive)
Mark as important
Mark as read
Forward to another email
Delete it
Categorize as Promotions or Social
Choose what you want, then click Create filter.

5. Use Categories (Primary, Social, Promotions)

Gmail automatically sorts some messages if categories are turned on.
To enable/disable them:
Click the gear icon (Settings).
Click See all settings.
Go to Inbox.
Under “Categories,” check or uncheck:
Primary
Social
Promotions
Updates
Forums

6. Archive to Keep Inbox Clean

Instead of deleting emails, you can archive them to remove them from your inbox but still keep them searchable.
To archive:
Select the email → click Archive (box icon with downward arrow)

7. Star Important Emails

Click the star next to an email to mark it important. Use the “Starred” tab to view them quickly.