Create labels to organize Gmail

Labels work like folders, but you can add multiple labels to a message.

Add a label

Label messages in your inbox

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. Select the messages.
  3. At the top, click Label Tag.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click Label Label.
  4. Select a label, or create a new one.

Label a message you're writing

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. Click Compose.
  3. In the bottom right, click More More.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click More options Down Arrow.
  4. Click Label, then select labels you want to add.
  5. Click Apply.

Move a message to another label

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. Select the message.
  3. At the top, click Label Tag.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click Move to Move to.
  4. Uncheck the current label, then select a new one.
  5. Click Apply.

Create, edit & delete labels

Note: Your labels only show in your inbox, not your recipient’s inbox.

Create a label

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left, scroll down, then click More.
  3. Click Create new label.
  4. Name your label.
  5. Click Create.

Edit a label

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left side of the page, move to the label's name.
  3. Click More More.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  4. Edit your label.

Delete a label

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left side of the page, move to the label's name.
  3. Click More Moreand then Remove label.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click the Down arrow Down Arrow.

Show or hide labels

Choose whether or not your labels show up in the Menu list to the left of your inbox.

  1. On your computer, go to Gmail.
  2. On the left side of the page, move to the label's name.
  3. Click More More.
    Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click the Down arrow Down Arrow.
  4. Under "In the label list," click Show or Hide.

My labels aren't showing up

Your labels show up depending on whether conversation view is on or off.

  • If conversation view is off: Labels will only show on individual messages you labeled. If someone replies to that message, the label won't show up on the reply.
  • If conversation view is on: When you label an entire conversation, the label will only show on existing messages, not new ones.

Andrea is a Gmail expert and the author of this help page. Leave her feedback about this help page.

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