How to Make an Email Into a Dated Task

An integrated email and tasks program can create a "To-Do" list from inbox messages.

Microsoft Outlook 2010 and Mozilla Thunderbird each feature integrated email and tasks to help keep you organized. When you work with a large number of messages, a digital “To-Do” list will reduce the need to commit tasks to memory. You can convert an email message to a task with a deadline. Outlook and Thunderbird compile task lists you can update as you complete each task on time.

Instructions

Microsoft Outlook 2010

1. Open the Outlook 2010 email program.

2. Open your Inbox.

3. Click and drag the email message to the “To-Do” bar.

4. Position the text and release the mouse when a line with double arrows appears.

5. Click the “Tasks” button in the lower left pane to display an expanded “Tasks” list.

Mozilla Thunderbird

1. Open the Mozilla Thunderbird email program.

2. Open your inbox.

3. Right-click the message’s subject line. A list of options displays.

4. Click “Convert to.” A short list includes Event and Task.

5. Click “Task.” The “New Task” dialog window opens with a fillable form.

6. Type in the data and select the preferred options on the form. For example the “Start” and “Due Date.”

7. Click “Save and Close.”

8. Click the “Tasks” button on the far right of the tabs row. The “Tasks” button displays a clipboard with a check list. The “Tasks” sheet displays your new task on a list.

9. Click the symbol at the upper right corner of the Tasks sheet. This symbol displays a grid and a tiny black triangle or down-arrow. A list appears.

10. Click to check “Title,” “Start,” “Due” and “Due in.” You can also opt to check “Priority,” “Completed” and other options. The “Start” column appears on the Tasks sheet with the new task’s email date.

11. Click the “Tasks” in the left pane. The expanded "Tasks" list appears. As you complete each dated task, click to check off the task.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also convert an email to Outlook tasks by right-clicking the email message’s subject line. A list of options displays. Point to “Follow-up.” Click the preferred time, such as “Today” or “Next Week.” The task appears on the lower right bar.

References

• Microsoft Office: Outlook Best Practices: How Harry Got Organized, Tasks
• Microsoft Office: Outlook 2010, Create Tasks and To-Do Items, Create a Task from an Outlook Item

Resources

• Microsoft Office: Outlook Best Practices: How Harry Got Organized: Quick Reference Card
• Microsoft Office: Outlook 2010, Change the Appearance of Tasks
• Mozilla: Thunderbird, Free Download