Difference between Gmail Folder and Label

[Mimen]

Im reading up on "how to organise your Gmail inbox". It talks about Labels and Folders. Now, I know what a folder is but what the hell does a label do?

If I have a folder called [Forums] for instance and I drag and drop my messages from actual forums into this folder I know that these messages will be in that folder next time I look for one.
But, what if I just [Label] a message as [Forums]. Does it mean I dont have to drag and drop the message into my [Forums[ folder, labeling it would do that for me?

Very confusing?

 

[rorz0r]

Main difference is that a labeled item will still appear in inbox. If you select the option "skip inbox" it functions more like a folder.

 

[Sherbang]

A single email can have multiple labels but only one folder. I wasn't aware Gmail even used folders, I thought it was only labels

 

[LazyLion]

Gmail DOESN'T use folders. Only Labels.

 

[backstreetboy]

Im reading up on "how to organise your Gmail inbox". It talks about Labels and Folders. Now, I know what a folder is but what the hell does a label do?

If I have a folder called [Forums] for instance and I drag and drop my messages from actual forums into this folder I know that these messages will be in that folder next time I look for one.
But, what if I just [Label] a message as [Forums]. Does it mean I dont have to drag and drop the message into my [Forums[ folder, labeling it would do that for me?

Very confusing?

No it's quite simple a message can only be in one folder except if you duplicate the message (send it to yourself again etc.) whereas a message can be in more than one label (for instance personal and work).

The new Gmail includes tabs (inbox, social, updates, promotions and forums). If you drag a message from one to the other the next time you receive a mail it will automagically go to that tab. It will also automagically try to categorize new mails you receive.

Google Inbox takes it further by calling it bundles and adding new ones like travel, finance etc.