To export or import filters If you're a filter pro and have a great filter system that you want to use in another account or share with a friend, you can export and import filters. You can maximize your filtered forwarding by combining filters that send to the same address. You can create an unlimited number of filters, but only 20 filters can forward to other addresses. Use a particular message to create a filter Any existing messages that the filter applies to will not be forwarded. Please note: When you create a filter to forward messages, only new messages will be affected.

This will move the unread message into the label folder. If you want to hide the unread message prior to reading (Outlook-style filtering), make sure to select Skip the Inbox (Archive it) and Apply the label: when you create your filter.