Apple Mail - Moving to IMAP

hello all,

bit of extended question/call advice here. bear me!

on years i've created eyewateringly complex email system. combines lots of addresses, plenty of forwarders , largely managed via apple mail using pop3. when iphone came along wanted system under i'd see email sent me, regardless of address or content. such, setup mobileme imap on phone , used system of forwarders forward copies of mail on mobileme account. email still downloaded apple mail via pop3 copy sent phone. meant saw email when arrived , deal important stuff promptly.

downsides manyfold:

- deleting message on iphone didn't universally delete it. still existed on laptop, downloaded via pop3.

- don't tend use mobileme address work , such replied iphone. i'd wait till use pop3 work account @ laptop.

- had 1 account on phone whereas in actuality there multiple distinct email accounts.

in last 2 years i've let apple mail inbox out of control. few weeks ago had 12k messages in there. i'm fan of filing decided had end , begun filing messages away hierarchical , many-foldered system. took bloody forever, @ point things feel bit more organised. i've reordered folders, deleting , consolidated possible , ready next step.

i'm looking move imap accounts. i'd rid of crazy web of forwarders , add imap accounts need them on iphone, ipad , laptop. , maybe imac if makes sense.

setting of imap reasonably clear me have few pertinent questions before tackle task:

1. happens hierarchical folder structure? i'd keep helps me keep stuff organised. folders automatically created on server of each imap account server?

2. emails associated account filed in mail appear in folder i've dragged on server?

3. happens old messages downloaded via pop3? right in thinking these stay in relevant folders on laptop? not want them reuploaded servers imap protocol attempts mirror mail system exists in apple mail.

4. have other advice/insight me? i've put change off long i'd grit teeth , make happen now!

cheers in advance!

 

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