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How to Compose Messages in HTML or Plain Text

Mozilla Thunderbird, Netscape, or Mozilla

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 15, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Email Yahoo! Mail Gmail

What to Know

First, enable rich HTML editing. Navigate to your email account settings and ensure Compose messages in HTML format is checked.Once enabled, highlight text and format with bold, italic, etc., create bullet or number lists, change fonts, and add links and emoticons.To send a plain-text message: Select Options > Delivery Format > Plain Text Only and then send the message. This article explains how to compose email messages in HTML when using Mozilla Thunderbird. This allows you to add formatting and styles to your email.

Compose an Email Using Rich HTML Formatting in Mozilla Thunderbird

To use the HTML editor to add rich formatting to an email you are composing in Mozilla Thunderbird, first, make sure rich HTML editing is enabled for the account you are using for the email. (See below.) Then you can use the rich text formatting toolbar to apply text styles and more: ​Highlight text, for example, and click the Bold, Italic, and Underline buttons to apply these styles. Click the Apply or remove bulleted list and Apply or remove numbered list buttons to itemize paragraphs and points. Click Insert a smiley face and choose from the menu that appears to insert an emoticon into your email. Use the Choose a font menu to select a font or font family for highlighted text (or the text you are about to write). With the Smaller font size and Larger font size buttons, you can decrease or increase, respectively, the size of the text. Also, note the Ctrl+< and Ctrl+> (Windows, Linux) or Command+< and Command+> (Mac) shortcut equivalents for these commands. Click the insert button followed by Image to add a picture inline with your email's text. Highlight text and click insert followed by Link to link text to a page on the web. Explore the Format menu for many options more. Under Text Style, find commands to render code and citations, for example.Using the Table commands, insert and edit simple spreadsheet-like tables. Use Format Discontinue Text Styles or Format Remove All Text Styles to return to default formatting for highlighted or future text. The keyboard shortcut equivalent is Ctrl+Shift+Y (Windows, Linux) or Command+Shift+Y (Mac).

Enable Rich HTML Editing for an Account in Mozilla Thunderbird

To make sure the rich-text editor is available for messages you write using a specific account in Mozilla Thunderbird, Mozilla SeaMonkey, or Netscape: Select Edit > Account Settings (Windows, Linux) or Tools > Account Settings... (Mac) from the menu in Mozilla Thunderbird. In Netscape and Mozilla, select Edit > Mail & Newsgroup Account Settings... from the menu. You can also click the hamburger (Thunderbird) menu button in Mozilla Thunderbird and select Preferences > Account Settings from the menu that appears. Highlight the account in the account list. Go to the Composition & Addressing category if available. Make sure Compose messages in HTML format is checked. Click OK. One of the advantages of the HTML editor is that the spell checker will not complain about internet addresses.

Send a Plain Text Message With Mozilla Thunderbird

To send a message in plain text using Mozilla Thunderbird, Netscape, or Mozilla: Compose your message as usual. Select Options > Delivery Format > Plain Text Only (or Options Format Plain Text Only) from the message's menu. Continue editing the message, and finally, send it using the Send this message now button. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Insert a Link in an Email With Mac OS X Mail How to View a Message in HTML With Express and Live Mail How to Get Mozilla Thunderbird Plain Text Email Display Changing the Default Mozilla Thunderbird Message Font How to Use Text Formatting and Images in Apple Mail Signatures HTML vs. Plain-Text Emails Using Rich HTML in an Outlook.com Signature How to Send a Plain Text Message in Outlook How to Add Rich Formatting to Text in iPhone Mail How to Insert Graphical Smileys in Yahoo Mail Messages How to Change Email Format to HTML or Plain Text in Outlook How to Send HTML Email How to Change the Default Font and Size in Outlook How to Insert an Inline Image in an Outlook Message How to Use Slack Strikethrough How to Set up an Email Signature in GoDaddy Webmail Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies