Gmail filters and labels: taming a busy inbox

Filters can automatically label, archive, forward or flag incoming mail based on sender, subject or keywords, which is far more reliable than manually sorting mail after the fact. Combine filters with labels, Gmail's flexible alternative to folders, so one email can sit in multiple relevant categories at once.

Coach's tip: start with one filter for your noisiest recurring sender, a newsletter or automated system, rather than trying to build a perfect system in one sitting.