Content filtering is a feature that automatically scans the content of incoming mail then gives instruction to that mail based on predefined conditions that the user set up in the inbox settings. These filters can be set up to scan virtually every aspect of incoming mail (i.e., sender's address, key words in the body text, if there are any attachments, etc), making them a highly valuable tool for anyone looking to increase the organization, optimization, and security of their inbox. Below are steps for setting up content filters in SmarterMail as well as some brief explanations of what each filter aspect has potential to do:
1) Sign into your SmarterMail account and navigate to the Settings.
2) Select Content Filtering then click New.
3) Enter a name for the filter.
4) Using the Match Type dropdown, select the condition match criteria that best fits your needs.
5) Select New Condition. Using the Condition Type dropdown, select the rule you would like to use then set the rule parameters to match your needs:
- From Address: filtering mail from specific email addresses or domains
- Contains specific words or phrases: filtering words/phrases in the mail's body, header, sender address, etc.
- To Address: filtering specific addresses, aliases, or domains in the To or CC fields
- Attachments: filtering mail based on attachment types, file size, file name, etc
- Other: offers other filtering options (i.e., filtering based on flagged priority, from a specific IP address, or spam probability)
6) Select New Action. Using the Select Action dropdown, select the action you want to occur when the condition(s) set above have been met:
- Delete Message: mail that meets the conditions will be automatically deleted (NOTE: mail deleted through content filter is usually non-recoverable)
- Bounce Message: mail that meets the conditions will be sent back to the sender with a message saying the mail was not delivered
- Move Message: mail that meets the conditions will be moved to a different inbox or folder
- Add Header: adds text in the header of mail that meets the conditions, typically to assist with additional mail filtering
- Add Text to Subject: adds text as a prefix to mail that meets the condition's subject line
- Forward Message: automatically forwards a copy of the mail that meets the conditions to another address
- Mark As Read: automatically marks any mail that meets the conditions as Read
- Set Priority: adds a level of priority (low, normal, or high) to mail, this may affect what inbox folder the mail will be delivered to
- Flag Message: adds a flag to follow up on any mail that meet the conditions
7) Once you are done adding conditions and actions to the filter, click Save. Your newly created content filter should now be displayed and enabled.