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Search across all accounts at once using "Search Messages" Interface

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 10 views
  • Last reply by Toad-Hall

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Hey All,

I would like to use the "Search Messages" interface to search multiple accounts. Right now you have to select one account at a time and then search. Essentially what I would like to do is use the granularity of the search in this interface. Specially, where you can add multiple rules then hit search and sort through the results and open them accordingly. Change the rules and repeat the above.

You can do this with individual accounts but is there a way to do it with all available accounts using that interface or a extension that can be added to achieve the above?

I'm familiar with - quick filter - regular search - this Search Messages interface.

Hey All, I would like to use the "Search Messages" interface to search multiple accounts. Right now you have to select one account at a time and then search. Essentially what I would like to do is use the granularity of the search in this interface. Specially, where you can add multiple rules then hit search and sort through the results and open them accordingly. Change the rules and repeat the above. You can do this with individual accounts but is there a way to do it with all available accounts using that interface or a extension that can be added to achieve the above? I'm familiar with - quick filter - regular search - this Search Messages interface.

All Replies (3)

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The Global Search is provided exactly for the purpose of searching all your accounts, but it is not capable of the precision offered by the folder-based search.

You could try a Saved Search. That combines the dialogue you already use with the ability to nominate multiple folders.

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thank for the reply. I understand the individual utilization of those searches.

I suppose the cumbersome way of doing is the only way of doing it.

Unsure why there are some many ways to search.. when you could have the unified search with the option of the global saved search in one interface.

4 different interface seems a little disorganized..

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Quick Filter Bar is a good method of quick filtering on a folder or saved search folder for:

  • 'show only unread messages'
  • 'show only starred messages'
  • 'show only messages from people in address book'
  • 'show only messages with tags on them'
  • 'show only messages with attachments'
  • 'filter messages by sender, recipients subject body' or any combination thereof on specific word or letters.

Filtered results display in same folder view and can be cleared to show normal full folder results. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/quick-filter-toolbar

Global Filter will search on single or multiple words on all accounts and allow you to further select from a range of filters. Opens in a separate tab and also allows viewing emails in a list form. does not effect the normal folder view. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/global-search

'Menu icon' > 'Find' > 'Search Messages' A new window allows you to Search on any specific account or folder on a range that you may find in headers. You can set various conditions. You can also save as a 'Search folder' if required or cleared after search.

'Menu icon' > 'File' > 'Saved Search' A new window allows you to Auto create a saved search folder and allows to select from a range of folders on any account. Emails subsequently received and stored in those folders will update the saved search folder. New folders can be added to be included.

So various search options depend upon what you want to display or save.