7. Setting Flags and Categories

OWA allows you to set a Flag and/or a Category for each message. Flags can help you keep track of items that need to be followed up before a specific date, by providing a visual indication, and, if specified, a pop-up reminder. A flag has a Start Date, Due Date, and may have a Reminder Date. Categories are coloured markers which can be applied to messages, contacts, calendar items etc. This allows you to easily differentiate between items which fall into separate groups, such as work versus personal, or department versus college. It is particularly useful for adding a visual indicator for particular types of item in your calendar so that they stand out, such as birthdays, or important appointments. Items may have more than one category assigned. There are six built-in categories named after their associated colours, and you can add more categories of your choice.

7.1. Setting Flags

You can set the default flag (follow-up starts today, due today, with no reminder) by clicking on the small flag symbol next to the date of receipt, in your message list.

Flag icon
Figure 17. Set default flag

This simply gives you a visual indication that the message requires further action (follow-up).

Advanced flag menu options
Figure 18. Set advanced flag

For more advanced options, right-click on the flag symbol and choose [Set Date and Reminder....]

Dialog to set flag reminder
Figure 19. Set follow-up reminder

This allows you to set a start and/or finish date for following up on the item, and a reminder date.

Icon indicating reminder active
Figure 20. Follow-up reminder

When the reminder date/time is reached, you will receive a pop-up message to remind you about the related item. You can dismiss the reminder, or click Snooze to be reminded again later. Reminders can be easily acessed at any time from the Reminder icon showing the number of Reminders.

7.2. Setting Categories

You can apply an existing category to a message by clicking the small bar to the left of the flag icon in your message list:

Set category menu options
Figure 21. Set Category

Clicking the Category icon brings up a list of possible categories, you can select one or more by clicking them, or clear categories by clicking [Clear Categories]. For more advanced options, including creating a new category, changing the colour of a category, or deleting a category, click [Manage Categories....]

You can also apply categories to contacts, calendar items, and tasks. In each case, open the item and look for the categories icon on the toolbar menu:

Categories Icon
Figure 22. Categories Icon

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