This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How use gmail categories?

  • 5 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by catbill

more options

I can't find clear information about how gmail categories work (or not) in Thunderbird.

Gmail seems to do a good job of applying categories and I would like to sort messages based on the gmail criteria. If possible, I would like each category to have its own folder.

Is that possible? If not, how else can gmail categories be identified in Thunderbird?

Thank you.

I can't find clear information about how gmail categories work (or not) in Thunderbird. Gmail seems to do a good job of applying categories and I would like to sort messages based on the gmail criteria. If possible, I would like each category to have its own folder. Is that possible? If not, how else can gmail categories be identified in Thunderbird? Thank you.

Chosen solution

Located this same question on google forum:

They suggest you use a workaround by using filters.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (5)

more options

from what I read Google simply applies a label. if that is correct. Right click the account in the folder pane and select settings. in server settings for the account click the advanced button and ensure that show only subscribed folder is not ticked.

Now he categories should appear as folders. I think. At least I made important and Starred appear that way.

more options

Thank you for the suggestions.

However, the categories still don't appear. By the way, I think that "Important" and "Starred" are system labels, not categories.

Any other thoughts?

more options

I have just checked gmail webmail account 'Settings' > 'Labels'. It shows very clearly in the gmail account that the Categories section does not have the options to 'show in imap' as the 'Labels' them selves have this option.

I would deduce from this that it is is not a Thunderbird issue, but gmail does not offer the option.

more options

Chosen Solution

Located this same question on google forum:

They suggest you use a workaround by using filters.

more options

Very helpful. So, the solution lies in using filters in gmail.

This is just the information I need. Thank you so much for your help. You are a wonderful resource for users like me.