This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Font keeps switching from variable width to fixed width

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by Dandelion

Dandelion
Dandelion
more options

I have my font selected in all three of my Thunderbird profiles under Options --> Composition.

I understand that, depending on who the recipient is, the font may change because of circumstances beyond Thunderbird's control (i.e., whether it is received on a computer or an iPhone). My problem is, when I send e-mails to the self-same recipient, even if on the same day, the font that shows in my Sent e-mail keeps flipping back and forth between variable width (what I have it set to in Options) and fixed width.

I wouldn't mind if it switches consistently. But as I said, one e-mail sent to a given recipient will show up in the correct (variable) font; then a second e-mail sent to the SAME recipient will show up in fixed width.

I would like to get the the bottom of this maddening inconsistency.

Thanks,

Dandelion

I have my font selected in all three of my Thunderbird profiles under Options --> Composition. I understand that, depending on who the recipient is, the font may change because of circumstances beyond Thunderbird's control (i.e., whether it is received on a computer or an iPhone). My problem is, when I send e-mails to the self-same recipient, even if on the same day, the font that shows in my Sent e-mail keeps flipping back and forth between variable width (what I have it set to in Options) and fixed width. I wouldn't mind if it switches consistently. But as I said, one e-mail sent to a given recipient will show up in the correct (variable) font; then a second e-mail sent to the SAME recipient will show up in fixed width. I would like to get the the bottom of this maddening inconsistency. Thanks, Dandelion

Chosen solution

Just a guess, but Thunderbird likes to send plain text if it can, and that is probably what is happening.

Options > Composition > General > Send options.

Turn off "send messages as plain text if possible" and set the drop down under it to send plain text and HTML. This is a more compatible format than HTML only, even if that is what you think you always want to send as it offer the plain text if the user can not see HTML for some reason (common on some email support lines)

Make sure you have no entries in the Plain text domain tab. Really these days it is something on an anachronism.

If you see such an instance again, make sure that the prefers plain text is not set in the recipients address book entry. It is easily set by accident and can cause all sorts of confusion.

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

Matt
Matt
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

Just a guess, but Thunderbird likes to send plain text if it can, and that is probably what is happening.

Options > Composition > General > Send options.

Turn off "send messages as plain text if possible" and set the drop down under it to send plain text and HTML. This is a more compatible format than HTML only, even if that is what you think you always want to send as it offer the plain text if the user can not see HTML for some reason (common on some email support lines)

Make sure you have no entries in the Plain text domain tab. Really these days it is something on an anachronism.

If you see such an instance again, make sure that the prefers plain text is not set in the recipients address book entry. It is easily set by accident and can cause all sorts of confusion.

Dandelion
Dandelion Question owner
more options

Hi Matt,

I've made the changes in Options which you suggested. Will report back in a few days with results.

Thanks muchly,

Dandelion

Dandelion
Dandelion Question owner
more options

Happy to report your suggestion did the trick. Now my font is consistent with each e-mail I send out.

Thank you!

Dandelion