Import or export a set of rules in classic Outlook

You can import or export rules for Outlook messages so that others can use them. When you import rules to an Outlook account, they are added to the end of the existing list of rules. You can import only one set of rules at a time. When you export rules, they are saved in a file with an .rwz extension. This file type can only be opened and used within classic Outlook.

To learn more about creating and using rules in all versions of Outlook, see Manage email messages by using rules in Outlook.

1. Select File > Manage Rules & Alerts.

2. Select Options.

3. From here you can either import or export rules. 

   1. Import rules   

      • Select Import Rules.

      • Select the rules file that you want to import.

        If you want to import a file that contains rules other than those in the Rules and Alerts Wizard, such as rules that are compatible with previous versions of Microsoft Outlook, select the file type in the Files of type list.

      • Select Open.

   2. Export rules   

      • Select Export Rules.

      • Select the folder where you want to save the rules file, and then in the File name box, type a name for the set of rules that you want to export.

      • If you want to export a file that contains only rules that are compatible with a previous version of Microsoft Outlook, in the Save as type list, select one of the following:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

        • Outlook 2002 Compatible Rules Wizard rules

        • Outlook 2000 Compatible Rules Wizard rules

        • Outlook 98 Compatible Rules Wizard rules

        • Select Save.

          : You can create a backup copy of your rules by using this procedure.

Top of Page