This page describes the original MsgFiler 2.x Mail Plugin. If you are looking for MsgFiler 3, click here.
Downloading the Plugin
The current version of the MsgFiler Mail Plugin is 2.1.8. It is qualified for use on OS X 10.6.8 and above.
Download MsgFiler Mail Plugin 2.1.8
Note: If you are running OS X Tiger (10.5.x), please download and use MsgFiler 2.1.2
Known Issues
- Installing Lion removes MsgFiler. Lion removes all Mail bundles after upgrading. To resolve, re-install MsgFiler.
- Installing Mountain Lion removes MsgFiler. Mountain Lion removes all Mail bundles after upgrading. To resolve, re-install MsgFiler.
Installing the Plugin
MsgFiler is an Apple Mail Plug-In. To install and configure MsgFiler, follow these instructions:
- Quit the Mail application.
- Go to the Finder
- Hold the Option key and click on the Go menu
- Choose Library
- Navigate to the Mail directory in the Library directory
- Drag MsgFilerPlugIn.mailbundle to Bundles folder in the Mail directory. Create the Bundles folder if it does not already exist.
- If you have never used another Mail bundle, you will need to run the following two commands in the Terminal application:
If you are using OS X 10.7/Lion or OS X 10.8/Mountain Lion, type
defaults write com.apple.mail EnableBundles -bool true defaults write com.apple.mail BundleCompatibilityVersion 4
If you are using OS X 10.6/Snow Leopard, type
defaults write com.apple.mail EnableBundles -bool true defaults write com.apple.mail BundleCompatibilityVersion 3
- Launch Mail.
Setting a Keyboard Equivalent for MsgFiler
Next you will create a custom keyboard shortcut to activate MsgFiler in the Mail application.
- Choose System Preferences… from the Apple menu
- Click Keyboard & Mouse
- Click Keyboard Shortcuts tab
- Click the + icon
- In the sheet that appears, choose Mail from the Application menu
- Enter Move with MsgFiler in the Menu Title field
- Enter the keyboard shortcut of your choice in the Keyboard Shortcut field. For instance, Command-9
- Click Add
MsgFiler is now ready for use! You can open MsgFiler via the Message menu or by typing Command-9 on the keyboard while in the Mail application.
Removing the Plugin
To remove the MsgFiler Mail Plugin follow these steps:
- Quit Mail if it is currently running.
- Go to the Finder.
- Hold the Option key and click on the Go menu
- Choose Library
- Open Mail.
- Open Bundles.
- Move the folder MsgFilerPlugIn.mailbundle to a new location.
- Restart Mail.
Migrating from the Plugin to App
Moving forward with MsgFiler 3, I will only be providing OS X compatibility updates for MsgFiler Mail Plugin. I will make sure that it continues to work in future versions of Snow Leopard and the upcoming Lion 10.7 operating system.
Existing users of MsgFiler are encouraged to purchase and update to MsgFiler 3. There are many new features in 3 which users have requested over the years, including:
- Favorite mailboxes
- Recent mailboxes
- Ability to create new mailboxes from within MsgFiler
- Configurable default action
- Exclude mailboxes
- Match on mailbox names only
- Restrict search to selected accounts
- Full keyboard access
Differences Between the Application and Plugin
The previous version of MsgFiler came in the form of an Apple Mail plugin. Because the Mac App Store guidelines restricts plugins, MsgFiler has been rewritten to be a standalone application that communicates with Mail via AppleScript. Differences between the plugin and the application are noted below:
- Hide Offline and Inactive Accounts
- MsgFiler 3.0 does not have the ability to determine whether a mail account is offline or inactive.
- Mark as Read
- Due to AppleScript performance issues, the mark as read feature has been removed from the application. From within MsgFiler, however, you can press
command-shift-Uto toggle the read/unread status of messages before you file them. - Loading Mailboxes
- The plugin, by virtue of being integrated with Mail, is faster at loading and reloading of mailboxes. I’m looking into improving the MsgFiler Engine to bring the same fast loading of mailboxes to MsgFiler 3.
- Filing To Remote Mailboxes
- MsgFiler’s performance when filing to local mailboxes is on par with the plugin, but you may experience a slight delay when filing messages to remote IMAP mailboxes. This is because MsgFiler is using AppleScript to file messages instead of a Mail.app internal function. Update: You can install the optional MsgFiler Engine Mail Plugin to resolve this.
Purchasing MsgFiler Mail Plugin
It’s recommended that you purchase MsgFiler 3.0 from the Mac App Store. If you still wish to purchase the plugin, however, you can do so for US$10 via PayPal.
I still want to purchase the MsgFiler Mail Plugin via PayPal
Note: Purchasing the MsgFiler Mail Plugin does not provide an upgrade path to the MsgFiler Application on the Mac App Store.
You will receive your registration code within 24-48 hours upon the completion of the purchase transaction. If after such time, you have not received your license code, please email support (at) msgfiler (dot) com with a copy of your PayPal receipt.
MsgFiler Mail Plugin Release History
- Version 2.0.0 – 2007-12-27
- MsgFiler has been rewritten in Cocoa and is fully integrated into Mail.
Improved searching and filing performance. - Version 2.0.1 – 2007-12-29
- Fixed bug where registration window would appear after app was already registered.
- Version 2.0.2 – 2008-02-12
- Added the ability to copy messages instead of moving messages.
Added additional preferences.
Pressing the Escape key now closes MsgFiler.
MsgFiler supports filing through MiniMail mail plugin from OliveToast.
Fixed a bug in Tiger where MsgFiler window would not save its position
Fixed a bug in Tiger where messages would not be filed properly. - Version 2.0.3 – 2008-07-30
- New installer application
MsgFiler now works properly on HFS+ Case-Sensitive Disk Partitions
MsgFiler ignores mailbox directories (white folders into which you can’t file messages)
Added Hide mailboxes from inactive and offline accounts feature - Version 2.0.4 – 2009-08-26
- Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard compatibility. Support for Mac OS 10.4 and earlier dropped. (Use 2.0.3 version of MsgFiler).
- Version 2.0.5 – 2009-09-10
- Mac OS X 10.6.1 compatibility.
- Version 2.0.6 – 2009-10-23
- Mac OS X 10.6.2 compatibility.
- Version 2.0.7 – 2010-05-19
- Mac OS X 10.6.4 compatibility.
- Version 2.0.8 – 2010-08-31
- General compatibility fixes
Preference for forcing the Enter key to always file messages, as opposed to moving from the input field to the table view. - Version 2.0.9 – 2011-01-26
- General compatibility fixes
Fixed bug where using MsgFiler may cause Spaces to hang and prevent keyboard input. - Version 2.1.0 – 2011-02-13
- Restored MsgFiler’s results list font size back to the 2.0.8 setting.
Web site updated to go to msgfiler.com - Version 2.1.1 – 2011-06-08
- Compatibility with OS X Lion.
- Version 2.1.2 – 2011-07-21
- Go To Mailbox works in OS X Lion.
- Version 2.1.3 – 2011-08-24
- Compatibility with OS X Lion.
- Version 2.1.4 – 2011-12-27
- Compatibility fixes.
- Version 2.1.5 – 2012-07-30
- Compatibility with OS X Mountain Lion.
- Version 2.1.6 – 2012-08-07
- Compatibility fixes.
- Version 2.1.7 – 2012-09-21
- Compatibility with Snow Leopard and latest security update.
- Version 2.1.8 – 2013-04-18
- Compatibility fixes.
I look forward to making my first Mac App Store purchase and paying a small fee ($5) is more than fair for a utility I have used regularly for years and have never had to pay more than the additional purchase price.
Kudos!
I look forward to the new features in MsgFiler and $5 is a fair price. It’s unfortunate that Apple’s App Store doesn’t allow Mail plug-ins and required you to re-write the entire application which has slightly adverse consequences for features and performance.
The MsgFiler Engine works with MsgFiler 3 to bring the filing performance speed of the MsgFiler 2 Mail Plugin to MsgFiler 3. Check it out.
Off-topic…
GREAT APP!!!!
Found it “by accident” in the AppStore and is exactly what I need.
Cannot use AppleMail anymore without MsgFiler.
Any info whether with new AppleMail 5 (announced) it’ll continue to work?
THX,
Peter
Frankly, I like the plug-in better. With the application, it has to be running to work, which means you really need to have it launch as system start-up. I’m not a big fan of having applications running that I’m not using. I’ll keep the plug-in until a future system software breaks it.
I understand. I’ll probably continue to update the plugin for the foreseeable future.
Many thanks for adding the MsgFiler Engine option for faster IMAP filing. This is really great for those like me who have GMail as their IMAP server!!!
I think it’s lame apple won’t let msgfiler in it’s original form into the store. Mail without msgfiler is SLOW! Like Don: “I’m not a big fan of having applications running that I’m not using. I’ll keep the plug-in until a future system software breaks it.”
Personally, I don’t need any more features, it works perfectly for me as is. If you could maintain it to keep working with Mail (but no more features/enhancements like the real App version), I’d be happy! *I’d be happy to pay a few bucks for an updated msgfiler plugin if needed in the future to work with a new version.
Will take this under advisement.
Hi there,
MsgFiler is an essential app for me, and I happily re-purchased it from the app store.
Yet, there is a simple enhancement that would increase productivity:
promote mailboxes from the selected account at the top of the list.
I have several accounts, and have mailboxes with the same name. Most of the time (but not always), I’ll file emails in mailboxes for the account that received the email. Hence the enhancement request.
Thanks, in advance
– gael
Seconded: I would love it if the current account’s mailboxes were sorted first.
I don’t want the preference to restrict to the current account: sometimes I *do* want to file in other accounts.
@Gael – There is a preference to restrict mailbox searches to the currently selected account. Look here: http://msgfiler.com/support/docs/prefs/#search
Adam,
I just purchased the app to help support your development of the plugin.
Personally, I’m with Don in preferring plugins to a separate app. Thanks for your continued support of the plugin.
Faun
Oh, and by the way, I love the new plugin.
“promote mailboxes from the selected account at the top of the list.”
I agree with this request as well. I find that I often have competing matches and almost always want to file the message into the account that matches the current highlighted message. I do realize this becomes tricky once more than one message is selected.
Faun
Can I purchase the update to support the original version – but not use it (or does the appStore force me lose my perfectly working old copy? I guess I can then reinstall the old version right?)
TimM: Yes, purchasing the app does nothing to the existing plugin. Just don’t run it and you’ll be fine. I’ll continue to update the mail plugin for the foreseeable future.
I couldn’t live without this utility. I’ve been using it for quite a while. The transition to the new app-based approach is going well, but I’m having trouble re-training my fingers to the new keybinding. I chose Shift-Apple-F to refile (so I don’t have to reach up to the number keys). Seems to work fine if only my fingers would cooperate. Keep up the great work!!
I was having problems with the Command-9 shortcut not working from Mail… until I remembered to remove the old shortcut from the Keyboard preferences.
You might want to update your plugin removal instructions.
Hey Adam,
I purchased the App version, mostly to support your efforts as I love the plugin!
I have had a few issues as others have noted:
1. Very slow, could be the applescript. I thought when you did your last update of the plugin you moved away from applescript. Guess another hurdle to get over to do a stand alone app.
2. I run into an issue where the slowness makes me open messages as I hit return thinking it did not get my entry. Mail selects the same number of messages that were moved, nice to unselect them…but unsure what you should be selecting.
3. Have had the app not appear in mail, seems like it could be an issue if I start mail first? I restarted mail and it seems to be working correctly. Had to re-launch it a number of times.
Thanks for keeping the plugin working, wish I could override the version check…
Doug – When 3.0.1 is released on the App Store (it’s in review right now), I invite you to use that version along with the MsgFiler Engine. It will enable much faster filing, similar to what you experience today with the plugin.
It looks like 10.6.7 has broken the plugin. I tried reinstalling the plugin that I downloaded from your website. But the new MsgFiler.app version 3.0.1 I purchased via the app store says the plug in is not installed when trying to use the plugin engine to file messages within the application’s preferences.
Do you have a revised plugin that will work with 10.6.7?
I forgot to mention that I did follow your directions and enabled assistive devices in the Universal Access preference pane. The plug in is not recognized by MsgFiler.app version 3.0.1.
I love this program… Used it for a couple years. I’m not real impressed with Version 3 for a couple reasons. First, downloading it from the Apps Store was incredibly difficult the first time, just understanding it. I like the previous versions where you simply download it and install it. I have two computers and I cannot get it to install on the 2nd one using the Apps Store. Just FYI, go back to the old way of installation. It was easy and I can keep the file in a folder where I keep my record of purchases…
If you are having trouble installing on your second computer, please read the last question in the known issues section on the support page on how to resolve.
I’m considering a version that’s available outside the Mac App Store, for those who prefer the traditional way to install apps. The plugin will continue to be supported through Mac OS X Lion as well.
What is the latest version for 10.5 PowerPCs? I currently run 2.0.8. I click “Check for updates” and I’m redirected to the frontpage which shows MsgFiler 3.
“The current version of the MsgFiler Mail Plugin is 2.1.1. It is qualified for use on Mac OS X 10.6.7.”
A table or a webpage that easily shows the latest version of the app and the plugin for every system would be really helpful.
The MsgFiler Mail Plugin 2.1.1 should work for you.
There is a table here:
http://msgfiler.com/support/product-comparison/
are you going to have those who purchase 2.1.1 now upgrade to 3 later for free?
If you are intending to go to MsgFiler 3, I would just use 2.1.1 in demo/shareware mode until you are ready to make the jump.
Hi Adam,
I’ve had the mail plug-in for a few years now, and I love it, but it’s lately stopped working (I’m on Snow Leopard, haven’t upgraded past that. I just tried to reinstall v2.0.6 (my latest version, I think), and I got this message:
Mail has disabled the following plug-ins:
MsgFiler
Contact the makers of these plug-ins for versions that are compatible with Mail 4.5 and Message 4.5.
Any thoughts on how I can get it reinstalled?
Dan – Download the latest version 2.1.2, to make it work on Snow Leopard.
Hi Adam
Any news on 10.7.3 support, just upgraded, missing the plugin?
Re-download and install the plugin:
http://msgfiler.com/support/plugin/
If you’re using the Engine (with the MsgFiler 3 app), re-download and install the engine:
http://msgfiler.com/support/engine/
OS X upgrades routinely disable all Mail plugins, forcing users to do this re-install dance every time.
Hi Adam,
I reinstalled the plugin several times – but my key (cmd-9) does not work (but it is in the systempreferences) and the menu – entries for the plugin in e-mail – menu are just grey …
is there something, that I miss?
Thx a lot in advance for any help!
Martin
Hi Adam,
I have Lion and I chose to purchase the plug-in through Paypal, because I didn’t want another program. I like the idea of a plug-in.
Anyway, I have two requests.
First, I access my work Exchange work account through Mail. Our work separates mail into project folders and subfolders. I have many, many folders (I’m the only Mac guy with the company). Anyway, many I need to GO to a folder quickly. I’m also a “keyboard guy” rather than a “mouse guy” and I find it awkward that “Go to Mailbox” is at the opposite end of the dialog box from Copy and Move. Can you either 1) program the Go to Mailbox button on the same level as Copy and Move, or 2) provide a quick key combo to GO TO MAILBOX?
Second, the search parameters have to be in order. My work’s mailboxes have lengthy names. If I don’t put in the search terms in the exact order, then MSGfiler doesn’t see the folder. Is there any way to correct that?
Thank you for a great program. Thank you for your kind consideration of my requests.
Matt
The original MsgFiler Mail Plugin, version 2.1.5, has been released with Mountain Lion support.
Is there a version of this that works with Outlook for Mac?
No, while Outlook for Mac has a MsgFiler-esque feature, MsgFiler itself has not been ported to Outlook. No plans at the moment to do so. Sorry!
Hey Adam. The latest Snow Leopard security update (2012-004) disables third party Mail plugins (again), including MsgFiler.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5501
I know that Michael Tsai just updated SpamSieve in part to accommodate this, so there is a fix.
http://c-command.com/blog/2012/09/21/spamsieve-2-9-5/
Is another update to MsgFile possible?
Yes, I will have an update out later today for the Engine and Original Plugin. Stay tuned!
Version 2.1.7 is now available and will work on OS X 10.6.8 with the most recent security update.
Woohoo!
Adam, you’re the peachiest.
Thanks, friend.