How do I create a global template for sending all messages that include fonts, size, signature etc.
When Live Mail crashed, I installed Thunderbird. In LM, I was able to set up a global message template that specified fonts, sizes, colors, attributes, signature choices, etc. Anytime I opened up the message box, in any mail account, all of my preferences were in place. I was also able to include URLs in my signature.
I able to create all of this in a message, but only for that message. The next time I want to send, I have to start over. I saved all of my preferences to a template, but that did not seem to help.
I've looked through dozens of potential solutions, but obviously not the right one. I hope someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Chosen solution
It sounds like you are using the 'Formatting Bar' options, which can be used for that individual email, or creating a html file or a template email.
One thing you mentioned was signatures. Signatures can be created in Thunderbird Write window and saved as html files which are then added to all outgoing emails via Account Settings.
How to create signature with/without image.
- click on 'Write' to open new write message
- Select all formatting even if already auto selected by default settings.
- Type signature eg: Regards and name
To insert an image:
- 'Insert' > 'Image'
- Select: 'Attach this image to the message'
- click on 'Choose file' button
- locate an image you created that has been saved in a folder on your computer
- Click on 'Open' - Image should be shown in the small 'Image preview' box.
- Select: 'Don't use alternate text' or type in 'alternate text'
Options to Adjust the dimensions of image to suit
- Click on 'Dimensions' tab
- Select: 'Custom size' and 'Constrain'
- Change width to eg: 200 pixels - Height is auto adjusted
Option to Set image to be a clickable link:
- Click on 'Link' tab
- Enter url: eg: http://www.anje.co.uk
- Click on 'OK' to insert the image.
If you do not want to use a clickable image to get to website, but just a text link:
- Insert > Link
- Enter the Link text. This could be your actual http website address or something like 'My website'.
Link location:
- enter the actual http://www. etc etc website
- click on OK.
Save file to a suitably named folder on computer, but not in Thunderbird folders. You will need to select "HTML Files" in the "Save as type" list box. It must be saved as HTML file. Close the Write window.
Attach the HTML signture file: Tools > Account Settings of mail account or right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'
- Select : 'Attach the signature from a file instead'
- Click on 'Choose' button
- locate the html signature file and click on 'Open'
- Click on 'OK'
All Replies (3)
Chosen Solution
It sounds like you are using the 'Formatting Bar' options, which can be used for that individual email, or creating a html file or a template email.
One thing you mentioned was signatures. Signatures can be created in Thunderbird Write window and saved as html files which are then added to all outgoing emails via Account Settings.
How to create signature with/without image.
- click on 'Write' to open new write message
- Select all formatting even if already auto selected by default settings.
- Type signature eg: Regards and name
To insert an image:
- 'Insert' > 'Image'
- Select: 'Attach this image to the message'
- click on 'Choose file' button
- locate an image you created that has been saved in a folder on your computer
- Click on 'Open' - Image should be shown in the small 'Image preview' box.
- Select: 'Don't use alternate text' or type in 'alternate text'
Options to Adjust the dimensions of image to suit
- Click on 'Dimensions' tab
- Select: 'Custom size' and 'Constrain'
- Change width to eg: 200 pixels - Height is auto adjusted
Option to Set image to be a clickable link:
- Click on 'Link' tab
- Enter url: eg: http://www.anje.co.uk
- Click on 'OK' to insert the image.
If you do not want to use a clickable image to get to website, but just a text link:
- Insert > Link
- Enter the Link text. This could be your actual http website address or something like 'My website'.
Link location:
- enter the actual http://www. etc etc website
- click on OK.
Save file to a suitably named folder on computer, but not in Thunderbird folders. You will need to select "HTML Files" in the "Save as type" list box. It must be saved as HTML file. Close the Write window.
Attach the HTML signture file: Tools > Account Settings of mail account or right click on mail account in Folder Pane and select: 'Settings'
- Select : 'Attach the signature from a file instead'
- Click on 'Choose' button
- locate the html signature file and click on 'Open'
- Click on 'OK'
If you want to set a default font:
via 'Menu Bar': 'Tools' > 'Options' > 'Display' > 'Formatting' tab or via' Mail Toolbar': 'Menu icon' > 'Options' > 'Options' > 'Display' > 'Formatting' tab
- Choose 'Default font' from the drop down selection.
- Set a Size'
- click on OK
This will set the default font for emails coming if none set AND it also sets the default font to use when you are composing emails, but it does not add the formatting as hard code to the sent email, so that the recipient can use their default font choice.
There is a way to choose a default font for outgoing mail where the formatting is included in the outgoing mail. However, you would need to be carefully consider your choice when using this as not everyone uses the same Operating System or/and may not have the same fonts installed on their computer.
Similar location, but a differnt tab....
via 'Menu Bar': 'Tools' > 'Options' > 'Composition' > 'General' tab or via' Mail Toolbar': 'Menu icon' > 'Options' > 'Options' > 'Composition' > 'General' tab
Advised options. Font: 'Variable width' Size: 'Medium'
More good info here:
Signature info:
Templates: Create an email using the 'Formatting Bar' and save as Template to be reused repeatedly.
There are some addon extensions which you might find useful. I do not use them but they get good reviews.
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-GB/thunderbird/addon/smarttemplate4/
- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-GB/thunderbird/addon/stationery/
In order to install a downloaded extension, please do the following:
- Click the menu button
and choose Add-ons.
- Drag your downloaded XPI file to the Add-ons Manager tab and drop it.
or
- Click the menu button and choose Add-ons.
- Click the gear icon at the top-right corner to the left of the search box and select Install Add-on From File…
- Locate the XPI file you downloaded and click Open.
- You may need to restart Thunderbird when prompted.
For more detailed instructions and information about installing add-ons, see Installing an Add-on in Thunderbird.