Definition: The "From:" header field, in an email, contains the message's author. The "From:" line must list the email address and can contain the author's name.

Typically, under "From:", one finds the person who wrote the email's text, as opposed to the "Sender:", which field can contain the person or agent that transmitted the message, say a spokesperson for a document crafted in a group.

Note that the "From:" field can contain more than one person and email address; in this case, a "Sender:" (of which there can always only be one) must be given.


Also known as: From: line

Example: Make sure you enter your name and title as you want it to appear in the "From:" field of the emails you send when setting up the account in your email program.

(Updated May 2014)