How do I automatically mark VIP messages with a flag in Apple Mail?

Hello, Orcaman.

Yes, there is a feature that can create a rule to "Mark as Flagged" the emails in the inbox, then select a flag color.

Similarly you can "Set the Color" of emails in the inbox according to rules that you specify.

It sounds like it's right up there with what you're asking.

You can create and apply rules to your emails by by clicking Mail > Preferences > Rules.

There you can add your own rules or edit any samples that are already there.

That looks fine. And when you created the rule, clicked OK and applied the rule it worked?

But since then, the rules have had no effect?

The same rule, when applied to the same mailbox again, will have no affect on mail already in the box except those emails that have been moved there since. Active rules will (should) apply to new messages.

Make sure you have checkmarked the "Active" box for your rule in the rules list.

No screen shot attached. :(