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Sometimes I want to save (print) an e-mail to pdf in Thunderbird. Since I use version 91.4.1 (32-bits) the print-option seems to skip the preview-function and directly prints the e-mail to the default printer. That means I also can't set my pdf-printer for my print job. It seems to be a bug, because the Print-option still shows three dots (Print...) which suggests a dialogue screen should pop up.

Sometimes I want to save (print) an e-mail to pdf in Thunderbird. Since I use version 91.4.1 (32-bits) the print-option seems to skip the preview-function and directly prints the e-mail to the default printer. That means I also can't set my pdf-printer for my print job. It seems to be a bug, because the Print-option still shows three dots (Print...) which suggests a dialogue screen should pop up.

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You mention : I'm afraid this setting is already on 'true' But that would mean you should see 'Print Preview' I had default setting: 'print.tab_modal.enabled' = 'True', so I would get the 'Print Preview' screen.

This allows me to check all is ok and choose printer - although beware...the developers of Firefox seem to use the very odd choice of words - they use 'Destination' which basically means 'Select Printer'. (Thunderbird have been forced to use the firefox coding - so obviously it going to need a serious fixing to adapt for Thunderbird users)

When I changed setting 'print.tab_modal.enabled' to 'false' then right on email and choose 'Print', I am now offered the 'Print' screen - see below. The first thing it asks is 'Select Printer'. Although the last printer - my default - is selected, I do have the ability to choose another.

Perhaps you have another setting which is forcing you to by-pass both the 'Print Preview' and the 'Print' window.... Check this setting in the Config Editor: 'print.always_print_silent' If it is set to 'True' then set to 'False'

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Hi - this question was about the opposite - someone wanting to turn off preview and print direct. Check the setting mentioned - in case yours is 'false' then set to 'true'. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1357571 Same message mentions workarounds, and that changes are coming, so your version of Thunderbird may have different options.

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I'm afraid this setting is already on 'true' (but thanks for your help anyway)

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Chosen Solution

You mention : I'm afraid this setting is already on 'true' But that would mean you should see 'Print Preview' I had default setting: 'print.tab_modal.enabled' = 'True', so I would get the 'Print Preview' screen.

This allows me to check all is ok and choose printer - although beware...the developers of Firefox seem to use the very odd choice of words - they use 'Destination' which basically means 'Select Printer'. (Thunderbird have been forced to use the firefox coding - so obviously it going to need a serious fixing to adapt for Thunderbird users)

When I changed setting 'print.tab_modal.enabled' to 'false' then right on email and choose 'Print', I am now offered the 'Print' screen - see below. The first thing it asks is 'Select Printer'. Although the last printer - my default - is selected, I do have the ability to choose another.

Perhaps you have another setting which is forcing you to by-pass both the 'Print Preview' and the 'Print' window.... Check this setting in the Config Editor: 'print.always_print_silent' If it is set to 'True' then set to 'False'

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Great! However your first solution didn't work (print.tab_modal.enabled), the seconds one does (print.always_print_silent)! Suddenly the cause of this problem occured to me: I'm pretty sure it comes from the addon 'FiltaQuilla', which I recently installed. This addon adds the option of direct printing in filters. Thanks for your help!