In this last episode, David mentioned that he has decided to settle in with Apple Mail (Episode 488). I’ve been using Spark and getting decent use out of it but I share a number of concerns about the app itself, as well as functionality, others have shared here in various threads. So my question is, what are the kinds of things people are tricking Apple Mail out with to make it a better app.
Two big needs I have: 1. quickly getting reference items into Evernote and 2. action-items into Things. I really like how Spark and Airmail have this built in, rather than forwarding everything, which adds an extra step and can kill formatting. So I’m looking for a ways I might be able to do that with kind of thing with Mail, but I’m also interested in hearing more generally what others are doing to make it the email app you need/want, similar to what David shared with the email link script.
Thanks!
I frequently add emails to Evernote. A few tips:
- Instead of forwarding the emails, I redirect them (Message > Redirect or ⇧⌘E). When you redirect and email you don’t end up with any of the forwarding information.
- If I’m saving a message from a mailing list, I’ll sometimes click the “View this email in your browser” link (if available) so that I can use the excellent Evernote Web Clipper to capture the message.
- Mailbutler has a free Mailbutler Evernote Exporter. I haven’t used it, so I can’t speak to how well it works. But, I do use the Mailbutler plugin for macOS Mail and find it very helpful.
I hope this helps!
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Thanks for this! I never considered the redirect. I’ll look into the evernote exporter for mailbutler.
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You’re very welcome @cwdaniels!
I’ve since been spending some time with the Mailbutler Evernote Exporter…and am really impressed so far. It adds an Evernote button to the macOS Mail toolbar with two commands.
Create quick note — Creates a note in Evernote based on the selected email. As the name implies, it’s very quick. Just select the menu item or press ⇧⌘B and it’s done.
Create note — Captures the email, while also providing the opportunity to specify the Evernote notebook, tags, etc. right within Mail. I’ll likely use this option the most as I find it’s most efficient to add these details at the point of capture.
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A while back, I set up forwarding rules in Apple Mail that automatically forward certain types of messages (typically invoices for utility bills, payment received notices, etc.). Once the email hits my account, the message is automatically forwarded to Evernote, where I contend with placing it in the correct folder during my weekly clean-up and purge time.
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This looks awesome. Thanks again for the mailbutler nudge. I am revisiting it and finding it more useful than when I initially tried it out. Are you using the free version? I’m worried about how quickly functionality will peak with a free account but am trying to avoid more subs.
Did you have to do anything special to get the EN icon in your mail app? I’ve set it up on integrations and restarted mail. I’ve looked in the MB preferences in mail and played with customize toolbar but am not seeing any options and it’s not appearing the toolbar? Any ideas?
Thanks again,
Wess
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That’s a great suggestion! Thanks.
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I figured it out! I needed to download the exporter - that was the step I was missing. Here are the full instructions for others: https://support.mailbutler.io/knowledge-base/evernote-exporter/
This looks awesome. Thanks again for the mailbutler nudge. I am revisiting it and finding it more useful than when I initially tried it out.
You’re very welcome, @cwdaniels.
Are you using the free version? I’m worried about how quickly functionality will peak with a free account but am trying to avoid more subs.
I’m currently on the Business plan. You may be able to get away with the free version if you’re using the included features sparingly and don’t need any of the more advanced functionality. I like how seamlessly Mailbutler integrates into Mail.
It’s worth noting that the Mailbutler Evernote Exporter is completely free.
Did you have to do anything special to get the EN icon in your mail app? I’ve set it up on integrations and restarted mail. I’ve looked in the MB preferences in mail and played with customize toolbar but am not seeing any options and it’s not appearing the toolbar? Any ideas?
I recommend opening Preferences, clicking the Manage Plug-ins button in General and making sure that the plugin is checked. You might also try going to View > Customize Toolbar and manually adding the EN icon (assuming it’s showing up).
The following support article may also be helpful:
I hope this helps!
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