A system and machine-implemented method is provided for generating an e-mail filter including receiving an indication of a selection of a simple filter representing a filter criterion and a placement of the simple filter icon within a display area displaying a visual representation of a collection of e-mail filters corresponding to the user, receiving an indication of a selection of an action icon representing an action to be performed with respect to an e-mail message and a placement of the action icon within the filter display area with respect to the simple filter icon, the placement representing a connection of the action icon with the simple filter icon, generating an e-mail filter comprising one or more filter criteria including the filter criterion in response to receiving the indication of the placement of the action icon and assigning the action to the e-mail filter.