Whether you’re new to webmail or have been using it for years, there are some features that everyone should know. This guide explains 10 everyday features in plain English, with simple examples to help you use webmail with confidence.
10 webmail features explained
1. Attachments
Attachments are files sent with an email, such as photos or documents. If you know and trust the sender, go ahead and select the attachment (usually near the bottom of the message) to preview it, or select the download icon to save a copy.
If you weren’t expecting the attachment, or something doesn’t feel right, don’t open it until you’ve confirmed it’s genuine.
Example: You’ve received your electricity bill by email. Scroll to the bottom of the message and select the attachment to open or download it.
2. Reply and Reply all
Reply: Selecting Reply sends your response only to the person who sent the email. When you reply, the subject line usually starts with RE:, short for ‘regarding’. It simply shows you’re continuing an existing conversation.
Reply all: Selecting Reply all sends your response to everyone included in the email conversation (except anyone in Bcc). Be careful when using Reply all, as your response may reach more people than you intend.
Keep in mind that scam emails can also arrive with RE: already in the subject line, to make the message look like a genuine reply to a conversation you never had. Seeing RE: doesn’t guarantee an email is safe, so always check who it’s really from.
Example 1: If you click Reply to an email from a tradesperson, your response goes only to them, and the subject line usually now starts with RE:.
Example 2: If your friend Alice emails you, Pam, and John about restaurant options for an upcoming event and you want everyone to see your suggestion, select Reply all.
Need more help?
Read our support article: Replying to an email in webmail
3. Forward
If you see Fw: or Fwd: at the start of a subject line, it usually means the email was originally sent to someone else and they then sent it to you.
To forward a message in Webmail, open the email and select Forward. Enter the recipient’s email address, add a message if you’d like to, then send it. Example: If you receive an email about an upcoming concert that you think a friend would enjoy, select Forward, add their email address, and send it on to them. The subject line they receive will likely start with Fw or Fwd.
4. Cc (carbon copy)
If you want someone to stay informed about an email, but they don’t need to reply or action anything, add them to the Cc field rather than the To field.
You can add multiple email addresses in the Cc field, and these will be visible to all recipients.
Example: When you email your gardener to reschedule your lawn mowing booking, you can add your household members to Cc so they know when it might be noisy at home.
5. Bcc (Blind carbon copy)
If you want someone to receive an email without other recipients knowing that person is included (or knowing that person’s email address), you can use the Bcc field.
Email addresses in the Bcc field are hidden from the other recipients.
Example: When you need to send an important update to a volunteer group and want to protect everyone’s privacy, put your own address in the To field and place all other recipients in Bcc. This means no recipients see each other’s email addresses.
TIP: You can access Cc and Bcc in webmail by selecting the down arrow in the To field.
Need more help?
Read our support article: How to compose an email using webmail (including using Cc and Bcc)
6. Mark as unread
Once you’ve opened an email, it will usually be marked as read. However, you can at any time choose to mark it as unread again.
Example: If you receive an email about a car insurance renewal but don’t have time to read it or compare options, mark it as unread. This makes it easier to find in your inbox later when you’re ready to action it.
7. Archive
Archiving works much like putting old paperwork into a filing cabinet folder for future reference. It removes a message from your inbox without permanently deleting it, helping clear the clutter while keeping the email safely stored and searchable in your Archive folder.
Example: If you’ve contacted a store about returning a faulty product and receive an email confirming a replacement has shipped, you may not need to keep it in your inbox. Select Archive instead of Delete to remove it from your inbox but still find it later if needed.
8. Star or Mark as important
The Star icon (shown as a small star beside an email) lets you mark important messages so they’re easier to find later. You can then filter your inbox to see only starred emails, helping you focus on what’s most important.
Example: If you receive an email with the booking details for an appointment, select the Star icon next to the email in your inbox or while the email is open. Later, filter your inbox to show starred emails and find it quickly without scrolling through your other messages.
9. Folders
Folders help you declutter your inbox and organise emails into categories. Once you’ve moved an email into a folder, you can find it later by selecting the folder in the left menu or by using Search.
Not sure how to move an email? Visit our How-to videos page for simple step-by-step instructions.
Example: If you want to keep your inbox tidy and make messages easier to find, create folders such as Bills, Receipts, and Travel. Then, whenever you receive emails about those topics, move them into the relevant folder.
10. Search
Instead of scrolling through hundreds of emails, use the search box to find messages by a person’s name, email address, or a word from the subject or message.
Example: You remember seeing an excellent offer for a holiday in Seminyak but can’t remember where that email is in your inbox. Type Seminyak into the search box to find the email again more quickly.
Need more help?
Read our support article: Searching emails on webmail
Next steps
You don’t need to remember every feature straight away. The next time you’re using Webmail, try one or two that are relevant to what you’re doing. As you become more familiar with these everyday features, you should find it easier to manage your email, stay organised, and save time.