1. Computing

Discuss in my forum

MsgFiler 3.1 - Mac OS X Mail Productivity Add-On

About.com Rating 4 Star Rating

By , About.com Guide

MsgFiler - Mac OS X Mail Productivity Add-On

MsgFiler - Mac OS X Mail Productivity Add-On

Adam Tow

The Bottom Line

MsgFiler make moving messages particularly smooth and easy in Mac OS X Mail with a folder selector that finds the right mailbox if you type but a few characters.
Of course, a bit more automation by filters or machine learning could be nice.

Pros

  • MsgFiler makes it easy to move mail in Mac OS X Mail
  • Using auto-completion and fast search, typing a few characters suffices to find the desired folder
  • MsgFiler can be used fast using just the keyboard

Cons

  • Using filters or machine learning, MsgFiler could suggest target folders based on message content
  • MsgFiler does not sort folders by frequency of use, cannot create new folders

Description

  • MsgFiler lets you file messages quickly in Mac OS X Mail.
  • After typing a few characters, MsgFiler promptly shows all matching folders, ready for use.
  • You can move and copy mail or open folders from MsgFiler.
  • MsgFiler can be operated from the keyboard. (Keyboard shortcuts to operate OS X Mail from within MsgFiler are not available on OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion.)
  • MsgFiler supports OS X 10.6/7/8.

Guide Review - MsgFiler 3.1 - Mac OS X Mail Productivity Add-On

How do you file messages in Mac OS X Mail? Whether you drag and drop or use the menu, if you have more than a handful of mailboxes you probably also have some trouble finding the right target quickly. Since moving messages is a bit tedious, you postpone it (until more messages headed for that same folder have accumulated) — routinely.

MsgFiler shows that moving mail can also be sweet and easy. Press "Command-9", type a few characters of the target folder's name, use the "down" key to select the appropriate folder from the list as soon as you spot it (and it will be very soon indeed!), and hit "Enter". You can file about 7 messages to separate folders, I wager, in the time it takes to describe the process. A "show" button lets you open folders in the same manner, too.

With all its simplicity and style, MsgFiler could still be simpler for the user, of course, by learning some cues about messages and where you typically move them. Manual filters could also be helpful.

Even without these refinements MsgFiler is a great help moving mail in Mac OS X Mail, though — and it will help you do it routinely, too.

(Updated August 2012)

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.