mail rules for multiple accounts

Question

Level 1

9 points

mail rules for multiple accounts

I have many email accounts, about 6. This is because I perform certain roles for several companies and have identities for each. Creating mailbox rules is now a bit challenging. Apparently, when I create a rule, it will apply to whatever mailbox was selected in the mailbox list at the time. That part is good. However, should I ever go up in the Message menu and click "apply rules" it will apply all existing rules for all mailboxes to whatever mailbox I have selected when I click "apply rules."

This obviously, could be disastrous! If I had the top level Inbox selected, there would be quite a few conflicting rules in effect.

The only work around I know of, if I need to force "apply rules" is to open preferences, de-select any rule I don't want to apply, and then click apply.

It would be great if Apple had built into the rule setup, which account I want the rule to apply to.

Any other solutions?

Thanks.

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 8:53 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 1, 2016 10:26 AM in response to rjsphoto85

Usually Rules are applied to Incoming messages. Thus a rule could apply to all accounts or to a specific account depending on how the rule is set. Is "To" set to a specific account?

I'm not clear on "Identities" you mention.

FYI....Outlook for Mac allows you to apply a specific rule.

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Answer 2

rjsphoto85 Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 1, 2016 11:53 AM in response to Duane

Duane: Thanks so much for this information. This is the solution I needed. Interestingly, I was on the phone with Joint Venture this morning and they didn't know about that filter - I requested it and he was going to write it up. Newbie obviously.

Just to update on your comment above about rules applying to all accounts - they don't unless you force the "Apply Rules" in the Message drop down, while you have your top level in box highlighted. I can only speak to this, as I created a rule to archive emails over 180 days; prior to creating the rule, I had the appropriate account highlighted. It moved over 16,000 messages out of that account's inbox, but not out or any of my other account's inboxes.

But, I am absolutely going to filter each rule by account as you show above. Then I can force the apply rules when needed without having to uncheck rules I don't want to apply everywhere.

Thanks again for your help!

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Answer 3

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Apr 1, 2016 12:06 PM in response to rjsphoto85

Great! Glad that I could help.

BTW, all the rules I have act on all the accounts and I did absolutely nothing special. When you create a new rule there is nothing by default that limits it to that mailbox. You have to specify that if you want it that way.

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Answer 4

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Apr 1, 2016 11:53 AM in response to Duane

Let me add some information to my post above. By default, rules apply to all accounts. You can edit/modify a rule to apply only to a specific account.