Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I think it’s a major feature gap that Gmail (paid or free) cannot create filters on headers.

I also can’t do wildcard filters on “to” or “from”. For example, in my GApps I have it set up to route all emails not associated with a specific user to my primary user. So that it’s easier to make throwaway emails. I want to filter all to:`X.X@domain.tld` to a certain folder. No can do.

It just feels restricted.

 help



> I want to filter all to:`X.X@domain.tld`

You can filter based on the to: field, yes.

For many years I’ve been creating filters on free Gmail for to:, from:, subject:, etc. I set them up on desktop web.

Perhaps there is something more specific you’re trying to do?

> a major feature gap that Gmail (paid or free) cannot create filters on headers.

You can create filters on header fields like from:, to:, and subject:, so I am guessing you mean something different than “cannot create filters on headers”?


I think he refers to mail headers. Those are normally hidden away from you, at least on a PC browser you can see them:

1. Open the specific email.

2. Click the three vertical dots (More options icon) next to the "Reply" button.

3. Select "Show original" from the dropdown menu.


Mail headers also include to:, from:, subject:, etc, as well as more obscure items too, which is why I think OP commenter meant something very different than “cannot filter on headers”.

Also, more items that might help OP (as I can’t edit parent comment) - they mentioned wanting to use wildcards on to: field. Those header fields do allow specifying just part of the header, like just the domain, or one part of the to address. (But those match at word boundaries and I’m not aware of being able to match sub parts of words or more complex items.)

Regardless, I don’t think I’d call this a “major” feature gap - maybe minor or more of a niche feature.


This so much this. Gmail overall is pretty meh and then it has these stupid footguns that make it awful.



Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: