Getting started
Chrome & Edge · DesktopThe Chrome Web Store listing is being prepared. If you're already testing the unpacked release, here's how to use it:
- Unzip the extension package to a permanent folder.
- In Chrome, open
chrome://extensions(oredge://extensionsin Edge). - Enable Developer mode, then select Load unpacked.
- Choose the folder containing
manifest.json. - Refresh Gmail and navigate to an inbox category, label, folder, or search-results page.
- Look for the Inbox sorter widget near the bottom-right corner.
When the public listing is available, installation instructions will be updated here.
Simple or Advanced?
Simple view
A compact sorting dropdown designed for the essentials. Choose original order, subject A–Z/Z–A, sender A–Z/Z–A, newest or oldest first, unread first, starred first, or attachments first.
Advanced view
Add quick filters for unread, starred, or attachment conversations; use primary and secondary sorting; save reusable views; and customize the panel or toolbar. Switch back to Simple at any time. Your Advanced settings remain available when you return.
Common questions
I can't see the sorter widget. Where is it?
Make sure the extension is enabled, reload your Gmail tab, and open a supported desktop message-list view. The widget is hidden in open messages, most empty lists, and Gmail settings. On a search-results page with no matches, the widget remains visible and says there are no results to sort. Changes to Gmail's interface may require an extension update.
Why doesn't it sort every email in my mailbox?
It rearranges only conversations that Gmail has loaded on the current page, separately within each list section. It cannot fetch unseen pages or sort your entire mailbox at once.
Why do some emails disappear when I apply filters?
Advanced filters visually hide rows that don't meet the selected conditions. The emails haven't been deleted or moved. Clear the filters to show those rows again.
Is it safe to use Gmail's bulk actions with filters on?
Clear visual filters before using Gmail's Select all, delete, archive, or other bulk actions. Gmail can still select messages hidden by the extension's visual filters.
Can I undo the sorting?
Yes. Choose Original order in the dropdown. This restores the original row positions recorded for the current list.
Does it change the real message subject?
No. The optional setting to hide Re:, FW:, or Fwd: prefixes affects only how subjects look in the Gmail message list. Actual email subjects stay the same.
Known limitations
- Sorting is local to the current, loaded page or category. It does not access Gmail's hidden or unseen pages.
- Gmail keyboard shortcuts, selection ranges, and next/previous message navigation may still use Gmail's underlying order.
- Date parsing currently works best with full English date tooltips. Unrecognized dates appear last.
- Attachment sorting checks for an attachment indicator, not attachment file size.
- Supported views depend on Gmail's desktop message-list structure; Gmail changes can affect compatibility.
Need more help?
Please use the support/contact option on the extension's Chrome Web Store listing once it is published. The public listing link will be added here after approval. For now, use the guidance above to troubleshoot the unpacked test version.
You can also review how your data is handled.