Search
Search runs across synchronized mail rather than querying the IMAP server. Results can span all stored mailboxes and include each result's source mailbox.
Structured and text search
Typing starts a normal search after a short delay. Plain terms search message content and metadata. The following operators narrow results:
| Operator | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
from: | from:alice@example.com | Sender contains the value. |
to: | to:team@example.com | Recipient contains the value. |
subject: | subject:"release plan" | Subject contains the value. |
has:attachment | has:attachment | Message has at least one attachment. |
before: | before:2026-01-01 | Received before the date. |
after: | after:2026-01-01 | Received after the date. |
The search box suggests operators and matching contacts. Searches can be named, saved, reused, and deleted from the saved-search menu.
Natural-language search
When OpenAI is configured, pressing Enter on a query without an explicit operator starts natural-language search. The model chooses bounded regular-expression searches, can retry with synonyms or translated terms, and returns only IDs found by those searches. Explicit operator queries always use normal search.
Configuration
| Item | Setting name | Environment variable | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal and structured search | None | None | No feature-specific configuration. Synchronized mail is required. |
| Saved searches | Saved-search menu in the mailbox search bar | None | Optional and stored in PostgreSQL. |
| Natural-language search | Settings > AI Features > OpenAI API key | OPENAI_API_KEY | Required only for AI search. |
| AI search model | Settings > AI Features > Model | OPENAI_MODEL | Optional; defaults to gpt-4.1-mini. |
Natural-language queries and bounded message metadata are sent to OpenAI. See AI features for the complete data-use summary.