isync

Sync IMAP mailboxes to local Maildir for offline reading and searching.

2|Updated Apr 6, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/bolander72/bstack --skill isync
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: isync
Source: https://github.com/bolander72/bstack/tree/main/skills/isync
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/bolander72/bstack --skill isync

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Sync IMAP mailboxes to a local Maildir, enabling offline access, fast reads, and local search without constant network timeouts. It also provides quick reading, searching, and monitoring of new/unread emails, while NOT enabling sending emails.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Sync IMAP mailboxes to local Maildir (new/cur/tmp directories)
  • Read messages from local files and parse headers
  • Search messages by sender, subject, or content
  • Monitor for new mail and check unread counts
  • Use when user asks to check email, read a message, search inbox, or find emails from someone

Quick Start

Set up your ~/.mbsyncrc with your IMAP accounts, run mbsync to synchronize, and read messages from ~/Mail/{account}/INBOX.

Frequently Asked Questions about isync

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I read IMAP email offline after syncing to a local Maildir?

To read IMAP email offline, this Skill syncs your mailboxes to a local Maildir using mbsync, allowing you to read and search messages directly from local files without a network connection.

What do I need to configure before syncing IMAP mailboxes locally?

You need mbsync installed, a configured ~/.mbsyncrc file with your IMAP accounts, and Maildir storage set up at ~/Mail/{account}/INBOX to sync and read messages.

Can I search local email messages by sender or subject?

Yes, you can search local email messages by sender, subject, or content after syncing your IMAP mailboxes, enabling fast local inbox search without network timeouts.

Does this Skill support sending emails through IMAP?

No, this Skill does not support sending emails; it is strictly designed for syncing IMAP mailboxes to a local Maildir for offline reading, searching, and monitoring unread messages.

How can I monitor unread email counts across personal IMAP accounts?

You can monitor unread email counts across personal or small-team IMAP accounts by syncing them locally, then using the Skill to check for new mail and parse message headers from the Maildir.

Why does reading email from a local Maildir avoid network timeouts?

Reading email from a local Maildir avoids network timeouts because mbsync synchronizes the IMAP data to local storage, enabling all subsequent message reads and searches to operate offline.