# Overview of Processing Rules

Processing rules are used to direct mail based on the contents of the To, From, Sender, Subject, the message Header, or the message Body fields.

Rules are helpful in filtering out spam, and e-mail messages that contain certain types of attached files. You can also use rules to direct mail that you get, such as a newsletter, into a specific mailbox.

IMail Administrator supports the following two types of processing rules:

- Inbound processing rules. Inbound processing rules apply for incoming mail that will be processed by IMail Server. Inbound processing rules can be created and applied at three levels: the Mail host (domain), individual user and list server mailing list.

- Outbound processing rules. Outbound processing rules filter messages that are sent out through IMail Server by local users and apply only at the host (domain) level.

Both inbound and outbound rules support multiple conditions. Processing rules can also be used in conjunction with forwarding or the Info Manager to re-route mail from one user to another. For example, a system administrator can route messages containing particular words to a reviewer. See also rules examples.

Related Topics

How Processing Rules are Stored and Processed

Processing Rule Syntax

Adding a Inbound Rule for a Mail Host

Adding an Outbound Rule for a Mail Host

Adding an Inbound Rule for a User

Adding an Inbound Rule for a List-Server Mailing List

Storing Search String in an External Text File