As a Gmail power user, I've relied on labels for years to keep my inbox organized and efficient. Gmail provides built-in labels like Trash, Spam, and Drafts, but creating custom ones lets you categorize incoming and existing emails systematically. One key advantage: a single email can have multiple labels—perfect for sorting by priority (e.g., high or low), contacts (e.g., manager, editor), topics, or types.
Here are 13 proven tips to create, apply, and manage Gmail labels effectively.
Labels appear in the left sidebar of Gmail's web interface—click any to view its emails. They also show before the subject line in your email list and next to the subject when viewing a message.
On the web, click More > Create new label in the left sidebar. Enter a name in the pop-up and hit Create.
From an open email, click the Label icon > Create new for instant creation.
Note: Web and iOS support full label management; Android app is limited.
Open an email, click the Label icon, select desired labels, and click Apply. The email stays in its original location (e.g., Inbox) while gaining the new label.
Tip: Explore Gmail forums for collaborative discussions.
For a cleaner Inbox, remove the Inbox label and keep only custom ones. Methods:
Tip: Learn about archiving emails in Gmail.
Assign colors for quick visual identification, like red for high-priority or brand colors.
Right-click label > three dots > Label color > choose or customize.
Three dots next to label > Edit > new name. Changes apply everywhere.
Like subfolders: e.g., Bills > Electricity, Gas. Emails appear under nested paths.
Three dots > Add sublabel, or nest during creation/edit.
Pro Tip: Build multi-level hierarchies.
Open email > X next to label, or Remove label button, or uncheck in Labels menu.
Open label > select emails > Remove label.
Search has:nouserlabels or check All Mail.
Create new label. Method 1: Drag/move from old labels. Method 2: Search label:old1 OR label:old2 > move to new.
Tip: Use dashes for spaces in searches.
Settings > See all settings > Filters > Create new filter > criteria > Apply label.
Three dots > show/hide, or Settings > Labels tab.
Tip: Customize email signatures in Gmail.
Three dots > Delete or Settings > Labels. Emails remain in other locations/All Mail. Sub-labels deleted too.
Combine labels with archives and tabs for ultimate control. See our full Gmail organization guide.
