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How can I change standard text styles (e.g. font and spacing) in Thunderbird?

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  • 3 have this problem
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  • Last reply by terjesen

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When writing a message, Thunderbird automatically chooses the preset "paragraph"style, with double spacing. I want to change the default either to the standard "text"style which uses single spacing, or change the paragraph style so that it uses single spacing. Manually changing the style isn't the answer, since the style automatically changes back after each <enter>.

I have tried everything (I think) to find this option. So far, without result....
When writing a message, Thunderbird automatically chooses the preset "paragraph"style, with double spacing. I want to change the default either to the standard "text"style which uses single spacing, or change the paragraph style so that it uses single spacing. Manually changing the style isn't the answer, since the style automatically changes back after each <enter>. I have tried everything (I think) to find this option. So far, without result....

All Replies (2)

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The only formal adjustment provided to you is to the option to "Use paragraph format instead of body text by default", which can be found under Tools|Options|Composition. You would want to clear this checkbox.

What this option does is control the additional line space provided after you press return. This automatic extra space is intended to make Thunderbird behave more like a word processor.

I really wouldn't call this double spacing, since it only applies to paragraph breaks. I do wonder if those who refer to it as "double spacing" are actually pressing return at the end of each line. Try not doing so. Let the text flow by itself.

If you really have a strong set of preferences for document layout, I suggest you learn some css and set up a template, or use the Stationery add-on and use that to apply formatting templates to your messages. Just be aware that, in email at least, colours, fonts, layout etc cannot be guaranteed to arrive at the other end as you wish them to appear.

Modified by Zenos

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Thanks for the advice which worked immediately. Regards, David