So you’re doing well with your email?! You’ve implemented Workflow and added Folders. Now let’s get a little more advanced and set up Filters. Filters do exactly as they’re named, filter messages away from your inbox into a more productive place. I recommend creating a filter for your forwarded messages. These tend to be somewhat low on the priority list and many do not need to be read at all. If we set up a filter that automatically sends these to a designated folder, they stay out of our inbox and allow us to look at them when we WANT to and not when someone else does. First, since you’ve mastered the art of creating folders, make one for Fwd’s. If you’re using Gmail, click Settings => Filters => Create a New Filter. Enter Fwd into the Subject area. A screen like this will appear:
Click Test Search to make sure it works. If it looks right, click Next Step. Check the ‘Skip the Inbox (Archive it)’ and ‘Apply the label: Fwd’ check boxes and click Create Filter. Example here:
One tip regarding Folders; use as few as you can get away with and no fewer. Too few and you start putting messages into folders they don't belong and your system doesn't work. Too many folders gets to be too complicated and again your system won't work. Don't worry, it will all come together with practice. Everyone works differently, start with these tips and then change it to fit your needs. Happy Filtering!