> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://missiveapp.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://missiveapp.com/docs/core-features/connected-accounts/email-accounts/gmail-google-workspace/using-gmail-smart-categories.md).
# Using Gmail smart categories
Use Gmail categories (Primary, Social, Promotions) with Missive.
Gmail's smart categories (Primary, Social, Promotions, Updates, Forums) don't sync to third-party apps like Missive. But you can recreate this behavior using Gmail filters to keep your Missive inbox focused on important emails.
## The approach
Create Gmail filters that automatically move categorized emails to labels. These labels sync to Missive, giving you the same inbox separation Gmail provides.
**Example setup:**
* Promotions + Social → **Ads & Social** label
* Updates + Forums → **Feeds** label
Your primary emails stay in your inbox. Everything else goes to these secondary labels.
## Setup
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Create the Ads & Social label in Gmail**
1. Open [Gmail](https://mail.google.com)
2. In the left sidebar, scroll down and click **+ Create new label**
3. Name it **Ads & Social**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Create a filter for promotions and social**
1. In the Gmail search bar, type:
```
(category:promotions OR category:social)
```
2. Click the dropdown arrow on the right side of the search bar
3. Click **Create filter**
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Configure the filter**
Check these options:
* **Skip the Inbox (Archive it)**
* **Apply the label:** Ads & Social
* **Also apply filter to matching conversations** (optional, to apply retroactively)
Click **Create filter**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Create the Feeds label**
Repeat step 1 to create a label named **Feeds**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Create a filter for updates and forums**
Repeat steps 2-3 with this search:
```
(category:updates OR category:forums)
```
Apply the **Feeds** label instead.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
**Pin the labels in Missive**
In Missive, the new labels appear in your mailbox list. Pin them to your sidebar for quick access:
1. Find the label in your mailbox list
2. Right-click and select **Pin to sidebar**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Result
Your inbox now only receives primary emails. Promotions, social updates, newsletters, and forum notifications go to their respective labels. Check them when you want, not when they arrive.
---
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