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How to Use Drag-and-Drop to Label Messages in Gmail

This easy method helps you keep conversations organized

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 1, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Gmail Yahoo! Mail

What to Know

Hover over a message. To the left of the message, click the handle (double-dotted vertical lines) and drag to desired label in the left panel.To move multiple messages, make sure they're all checked, then drag the handle for any selected message. Gmail allows you to create custom labels, which are similar to folders, to keep your email sorted and easily accessible. Here we explain why and how to use the drag-and-drop method to create Gmail labels.

Move a Message to a Label

Here's how to move an email to a label (and remove the message from the current view) in Gmail: Open Gmail and go to your Inbox or another view. Hover over the message you want to move. To the left of the message, select the handle (the double-dotted, vertical lines). To move multiple messages, make sure they're all checked, then drag the handle for any selected message. Drag the message into the left panel, and place it on top of the desired label. If you don't see all available labels in the left panel, hover the message over the label section. Each label is highlighted as you hover the message over it. Or, select More to see additional options. When the message is over the desired label, and the label is highlighted, release the handle.

Apply Custom Labels

You can use the same method as above to apply a custom label to a Gmail message. Make sure the label is visible in the left panel before you move the message. If the label isn't visible, select More to find it. When you move messages to anywhere but Trash, the messages still appear in All mail. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Select All Messages in Gmail How to Send Email to Undisclosed Recipients From Gmail How to Retrieve Archived Emails in Gmail How to Forward Multiple Emails in Gmail How to Recover Missing Emails in Gmail How to Import Windows Mail or Outlook Emails Into Gmail Hide the Preview Pane and Delete Mail Without Opening It How to Organize & Categorize Messages in Gmail with Labels How to Go to the Next or Previous Message in Gmail How to Drag and Drop on the iPad How to View the Source of a Message in Gmail How to Drag and Drop on Mac How to Save and Use Messages as Templates in Apple Mail How to Use Gmail: Get Started With Your New Account How to Select Multiple Messages Quickly in Gmail How to Create Rules in Gmail for (Almost) Anything Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies