ComponentĪ message must match all the conditions in the rule. The following table shows how multiple conditions, condition values, exceptions, and actions are handled in a rule. Multiple conditions, exceptions, and actions For example, when the rule should be applied, whether to enforce or test the rule, and the time period when the rule is active.įor more information, see the Mail flow rule properties section in this article. Properties: Specify other rules settings that aren't conditions, exceptions or actions. There are many actions available, such as rejecting, deleting, or redirecting messages, adding additional recipients, adding prefixes in the message subject, or inserting disclaimers in the message body.įor more information about mail flow rule actions that are available in Exchange Online, see Mail flow rule actions in Exchange Online. Exceptions override conditions and prevent the rule actions from being applied to a message, even if the message matches all of the configured conditions.Īctions: Specify what to do to messages that match the conditions in the rule, and don't match any of the exceptions. The same message identifiers that are available in conditions are also available in exceptions. If there are no conditions or exceptions, the rule is applied to all messages.įor more information about mail flow rule conditions in Exchange Online, see Mail flow rule conditions and exceptions (predicates) in Exchange Online.Įxceptions: Optionally identify the messages that the actions shouldn't apply to. Most conditions require you to specify a comparison operator (for example, equals, doesn't equal, or contains) and a value to match. Other conditions examine message properties (for example, the message subject, body, attachments, message size, or message classification). Some conditions examine message header fields (for example, the To, From, or Cc fields). Mail flow rule componentsĪ mail flow rule is made of conditions, exceptions, actions, and properties:Ĭonditions: Identify the messages that you want to apply the actions to.

To implement specific messaging policies by using mail flow rules, see Mail flow rule procedures in Exchange Online.

To learn more about the testing options, see Test mail flow rules in Exchange Online and Policy Tips (policy tips aren't available in standalone EOP).įor summary and detail reports about messages that matched mail flow rules, see Use mail protection reports to view data about malware, spam, and rule detections. For each rule, you have the option of enforcing it, testing it, or testing it and notifying the sender. This article explains the components of mail flow rules, and how they work.įor steps to create, copy, and manage mail flow rules, see Manage mail flow rules. Mail flow rules contain a richer set of conditions, exceptions, and actions, which provides you with the flexibility to implement many types of messaging policies. The main difference is mail flow rules take action on messages while they're in transit, not after the message is delivered to the mailbox. Mail flow rules are similar to the Inbox rules that are available in Outlook and Outlook on the web (formerly known as Outlook Web App). System-generated messages such as non-delivery reports (NDRs) do not get processed by your organization's mail flow rules (or transport rules).

Mailplane schedule functionality