Using labels to organize
On this page
Labels are color-coded tags you stick on conversations. Quick visual categorization, plus filterable and automatable. Examples: 'VIP', 'refund', 'bug-report', 'urgent'. Multi-label per conversation: a conversation can be both 'refund' and 'urgent' at once. Different from custom attributes (structured fields), labels are unstructured markers.
Labels are color-coded tags you can apply to conversations for quick categorization and filtering. Whether you're managing a handful of support requests or hundreds of conversations across multiple channels, labels help your team stay organized, prioritize work, and find relevant threads in seconds. Think of them as flexible folders that can be layered onto any conversation.
Creating labels
- Navigate to Settings > Labels from your Deskwoot dashboard.
- Click 'Add Label'.
- Enter a descriptive name for the label (e.g., Refund Request, VIP Customer, Bug Report).
- Choose a color that makes the label easy to spot at a glance.
- Save your new label. It will now be available across your workspace.
Applying labels
- Open any conversation from your inbox.
- In the Details tab of the right panel, click the + (Add label) next to Labels.
- Pick a label to add it to the conversation; repeat to add more. To remove a label, click the × on its badge.
Labels appear as colored badges in the conversation's Details tab, and as colored dots (up to 3) on the conversation's row in your inbox list.
Filtering conversations by label
Once labels are applied, you can use them to filter your inbox. Click a label name under Labels in the inbox panel next to the conversation list to display only conversations tagged with that label. This is especially useful when you want to focus on a particular category, such as all open billing inquiries or escalated issues.
Best practices
- Keep names short and clear: Use concise, consistent naming conventions so every team member understands what each label represents.
- Use distinct colors: Assign unique colors to high-priority labels (e.g., red for urgent issues) so they stand out in a busy inbox.
- Don't over-label: Stick to a manageable set of labels. Too many can create clutter and reduce their usefulness.
- Review periodically: Audit your labels regularly and remove or merge any that are outdated or rarely used.
- Combine with other tools: Use labels alongside assignment and conversation status to build efficient team workflows.
Common pitfalls
- Duplicate labels: Before creating a new label, check whether a similar one already exists to avoid confusion.
- Inconsistent usage: Make sure your team agrees on when and how to apply each label. A quick internal guide can help maintain consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How do I create a label?
How are labels different from custom attributes?
Can automation rules add labels?
Can I rename a label after applying it everywhere?
How many labels can I add to one conversation?
Do labels show to the customer?
Can I report on label usage?
What if I want to remove a label from many conversations at once?
Can I have nested or hierarchical labels?
What's the difference between a label and a status?
Can the AI bot apply labels?
Will removing a label delete the conversation?
Was this guide helpful?
Keep reading
- Canned responses for quick repliesCanned responses are pre-written message templates your team can insert with a shortcode.Read guide
- Template variables in canned responsesAll 13 placeholders you can use in canned responses, the fallback syntax, and what happens when a value is empty.Read guide
- Send email campaigns to your contactsCampaigns send an email from one of your email inboxes to all contacts, the contacts of an inbox, a segment or a few picked contacts. Send once or keep reaching new contacts, and handle the replies in your inbox.Read guide
Ask Fynn about this guide
Get a short answer from this guide and the rest of the help center.