# Forwarder, alias or catch-all? Which to use

> The difference between email forwarders, aliases and catch-all addresses, with examples of when to use each.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/guides/forwarder-alias-or-catch-all/

All three let one address receive mail meant for another, without creating a separate mailbox.

| | Forwarder | Alias | Catch-all |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **What it does** | Sends a copy of incoming mail to another address, on any domain | A second address for the same mailbox | Collects mail sent to any address on your domain that doesn't exist |
| **Example** | `sales@yourdomain.com` → `ada@gmail.com` | `info@yourdomain.com` delivers to `ada@yourdomain.com` | `typo@yourdomain.com` → `admin@yourdomain.com` |
| **Can you send from it?** | No (unless set up separately) | Yes, in most apps | No |
| **Best for** | Sharing a role address with several people, or sending mail to an outside account | One person with several addresses | Not missing mail sent to misspelled addresses |

## Forwarder

Use a forwarder to send mail to someone else, or to several people at once, for example `support@` to three team members. See [Setting up email forwarders in cPanel](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/cpanel-email/setting-up-e-mail-forwarders-in-cpanel/).

Forwarding to Gmail or Outlook.com can fail if spam is forwarded too. Turn on [spam filters](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/cpanel-email/filtering-unwanted-e-mail-spam-in-cpanel/) first.

## Alias

Use an alias when one person handles several addresses and wants to read them all in one inbox. In cPanel email, create a forwarder from the alias address to the main mailbox (for example `info@` → `ada@`). To reply **as** the alias, add it as a sending identity in your email app or webmail. In Ruachost Business Email, aliases are created in the control panel.

## Catch-all

A catch-all (default address) receives anything sent to a non-existent address on your domain. It means you never miss a misspelled address, but it also collects a lot of spam, so use it with care. See [Using a catch-all email address](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/email/email-setup/using-a-catch-all-email-address/).

## Need several people to share one inbox?

Create a single mailbox (for example `support@`) and give each person its login, or add it to their email app. With Business Email, you can also share calendars and address books.