A process searches electronic messages. The process displays a user interface for an electronic messaging application, including a label list panel comprising labels and an electronic message list panel comprising listed objects associated with a user of the electronic messaging application. Each respective object is visually distinct and represents one or more corresponding electronic messages received by the user. The user selects a first label from the label list panel and a first electronic message from the electronic message list panel. The user associates the first electronic message with the first label. The process receives a search query for electronic messages associated with the first label. In response, the process identifies electronic messages associated with the first label. The identified electronic messages include the first electronic message. The process then updates the listed objects displayed in the electronic message list panel, displaying only objects corresponding to the identified electronic messages.