Tip 373: Filters and the From Field

If you ever tried to create a filter using the From fields, you probably discovered it's weird and doesn't seem to work as expected. This is because there are two fields labeled "From" on the Filter dialog and each one is linked to a different From field.

When you create a View, Search Folder, or Advanced Find , you choose your criteria for the filter. The first tab, called Messages (when you are looking for email), has a From field. You can also choose the From field (or type "From" in the Field textbox) on the Advanced tab.

One would think both of these From fields are the same, however they are not. The From field on the first tab is the From email address field while the one on the Advanced tab uses the From display name field.

So which From field is used when you right-click on a message and choose Find All, From Sender? The one on the Advanced tab, which looks for messages based on display name only.

Bonus tip: If you want to view all mail sent from a domain, use the From field on the Messages tab and enter @domain.com or even just domain.

Published August 31, 2006. Last updated on September 6, 2017.