> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.messagedesk.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Filter & sort conversations

> Filter your Inbox by label, assignee, or phone line, and sort with Newest, Oldest, Waiting Longest, or Unread First to find threads fast.

# Filter & Sort Conversations in Your Inbox

<Note>
  **Looking for search?** Global and advanced search live in the new [Search](/search/overview) section. Use [Quick Search](/search/quick-search) (⌘K) for contacts and conversations, or [Advanced Search](/search/advanced-search) for messages, comments, labels, and more.
</Note>

This page covers **filtering** your Inbox by label, assignee, or workspace phone, and **sorting** the resulting list.

***

## Quick sorting

Use the **Sort** menu to change the order of your conversation list:

* **Newest.** Most recent activity at the top.
* **Oldest.** Oldest activity at the top. Great for closing out stragglers.
* **Waiting Longest.** Threads with the longest inactivity. Prevents misses.
* **Unread First.** Conversations with unread messages first.

<Tip>
  Sorting reorders the list you're already viewing (Open, Closed, or a filtered view). Combine **Sort** with **Filters** for sharper inbox views.
</Tip>

***

## Quick search from the Inbox

The search bar at the top of the app opens [Quick Search](/search/quick-search), which returns **contacts** and **conversations** only.

To search **messages**, **comments**, or **labels**, open [Advanced Search](/search/advanced-search). Either escalate from Quick Search (press **Enter** on a result, click the search icon, or click **Open Advanced Search**) or tap the search icon on mobile and tablet.

***

## Sort conversations in any Inbox view

1. Click the **Sort** icon above your conversation list.
2. Choose **Newest**, **Oldest**, **Waiting Longest**, or **Unread First**.
3. Your list updates immediately.

**When to use which:**

* **Newest** for real-time triage.
* **Oldest** to finish and close out older work.
* **Waiting Longest** for follow-ups and SLAs.
* **Unread First** for "what needs doing right now."

***

## Apply a custom filter to your Inbox view

Filter by **Labels**, **Assignee**, or **Workspace phone** to build focused inbox views.

1. From any Inbox view, click the **Filter** icon.
2. Choose **Match ALL filters** or **Match ANY filters**:
   * **ALL** = a conversation must meet **every** condition.
   * **ANY** = a conversation can meet **any** one of the conditions.
3. Pick a **property** to filter by:
   * **Labels.** Select one or more labels.
   * **Assignee.** Select one or more teammates, or choose **Unassigned** to show only conversations with no assignee.
   * **Workspace phone.** Select one or more numbers.
4. Click **Apply Filter** to update your list, or **Clear Filters** to reset.

<Tip>
  Start broad with **ANY**, then tighten to **ALL** as your inbox view shrinks.
</Tip>

***

## Combine Sort + Filters (compound queries)

Layer **Sort** on top of an active **Filter** to build compound views.\
Examples:

* **Filter:** Labels = Support + Urgent → **Sort:** Waiting Longest
* **Filter:** Assignee = You → **Sort:** Unread First
* **Filter:** Workspace phone = (555) 555-0100 → **Sort:** Oldest

***

## Share a filtered view with teammates

1. After applying filters (and choosing a sort), click the **Share** icon.
2. The **unique URL** copies to your clipboard. Send it to any MessageDesk user in your workspace.
3. They'll land on the exact same filtered/sorted view.

<Note>
  Great for daily stand-ups: "Work from this filtered view today."
</Note>

***

## Examples: ways to sort and filter conversations

**Close-out an old list of conversations**

* Filter: Assignee = You
* Sort: Oldest
* Goal: Close or comment on everything older than 48h.

**Catch up on urgent support requests**

* Filter: Labels = Support, Urgent (Match ANY)
* Sort: Waiting Longest
* Goal: First response within target time.

**Triage unassigned conversations**

* Filter: Assignee = Unassigned
* Sort: Waiting Longest
* Goal: Assign ownership to conversations no one's claimed yet.

**Triage new messages by phone number**

* Filter: Workspace phone = Front desk line
* Sort: Unread First
* Goal: Keep the public line clear and responsive.

***

## FAQ

**Can I save a filter permanently as a named view?**\
You can share a link to a filtered/sorted view. If you use the same filters often, bookmark those URLs.

**How do I search by contact name, message content, or comments?**\
Use the global [Search](/search/overview) section. [Quick Search](/search/quick-search) covers contacts and conversations. [Advanced Search](/search/advanced-search) covers messages, comments, and labels.

**Do filters change what my teammates see?**\
No. Filters affect **your** current view only, unless you share the link.

**Can I filter by multiple labels, assignees, etc.?**\
Yes. Select as many as you need and choose **ALL** or **ANY** to control matching.

***

## See also

The filters on this page apply to the **live Inbox**. To search, filter, and export your workspace's full message archive, see [Data Center → Message History](/settings/workspace-settings/data-center#message-history).

***

## Troubleshooting

* **My results look empty.**\
  **Match ALL** may be too strict. Try **Match ANY** or clear one condition.
* **The share link sent my teammate to a different list.**\
  Make sure they have access to the same workspace numbers/labels and that the link wasn't altered.

***

## Best practices

* **Use consistent labels.** Filters are only as good as your labeling habits.
* **Work oldest-first on close-out.** Then switch back to **Newest** for live triage.
* **Share your filters.** Drop a link in a [Comment](/inbox/comments-mentions) so everyone's working the same list.