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Global default column view and threaded view

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I need help with some settings.

1. I want to set a default column view for all folders, and then that column view to be used on all new subfolders I create. I have set the column view for ALL the parent folders, but every time I add a new subfolder, I have to go into an already formatted folder and apply those column settings to the new folder. I want the same columns to display on new folders as its parent folder, without going into the new folder and 'applying' the columns each time.

2. I always want unthreaded, without having to go into each new subfolder folder and change it from threaded.

I must be missing something, because surely it is possible to globally change the default to the column view I have selected and also unthreaded views that I have selected to always be used as a default for new folders - without having to go into each new subfolder and change it every time.

I need help with some settings. 1. I want to set a default column view for all folders, and then that column view to be used on all new subfolders I create. I have set the column view for ALL the parent folders, but every time I add a new subfolder, I have to go into an already formatted folder and apply those column settings to the new folder. I want the same columns to display on new folders as its parent folder, without going into the new folder and 'applying' the columns each time. 2. I always want unthreaded, without having to go into each new subfolder folder and change it from threaded. I must be missing something, because surely it is possible to globally change the default to the column view I have selected and also unthreaded views that I have selected to always be used as a default for new folders - without having to go into each new subfolder and change it every time.

All Replies (4)

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Here are complete instructions. Follow carefully: This is the official (to my knowledge) documentation. Well worth the read https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/message-threading-thunderbird

Here is my own documentation on threading, duplicating the above, but it may help: You need to highlight each folder and click View>sort by>unthreaded (and set any other attributes that you want to apply globally). If this applies to just a few folders, just repeat the process as necessary. If you have many folders or plan to add many new folders, you may wish a different approach, below:

More info: To change default thread setting for *new* folders, In config editor, you can change default that applies to NEW folders you set up: mailnews.default_view_flags 0=unthreaded

Config editor is available at Tools>settings>general and scroll to bottom right.

 ------------

To set many *existing* folders, follow these steps: (I creates a crude video that walks through the steps at

   https://davidkirk.org/SettingDefaultFolderView.mp4  that demonstrates the following steps:
   First, highlight a folder that you have set to unthreaded	
   In the Message List view, in the column header, on the far right, open the options button that shows    
    context menu. :
   At the very bottom is the option:
   -> "Apply current view to..."
   -> "Folder and its children..."
   -> Hover over an account
   -> In the next menu don't select a folder. Instead select the account name itself.
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Thats wonderful for the #2 (threaded portion) of my question. I changed the config editor and that part is solved. yay

Should I submit a new post for for my #1. question ?

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Didn't that solve both questions?

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No that just addressed the default threading issue as far as i can see A more detailed of my issue with the default columns is below Thunderbird version 115.2.3 I am using Local Folders.

I want my columns to show 1. starred 2. From 3. Subject 4. Recipient 5. Date 6. Attachment Using Apply column to -> Folder and its children, I have done this with the main Local Folders, and the main folders underneath it. But every time I create another new subfolder (which is multiple times a day) it reverts to the default column settings 1. Starred 2. attachment 3. subject 4. sort by read status 5. Correspondents 6. Spam 7. Date