Format still exists if you are writing a message in HTML. If you are using plain text then it is not available since you cannot format Plain Text. If you hold the shift key when clicking Write is Format showing then? If so you have your default set for Plain Text.

If you hold the shift key when clicking Write is Format showing then?

No. I only see the color box to the smiley face on the line below Subject. I can do all those things, like italicize. I'm looking for the Format drop-down menu that allowed changing "style", beginning and ending formating, etc. I have it on my desktop, and have to use that version if I am editing some file sent to me for suggestions, etc.

I did not change my format to plain text, or see a way to change ANYTHING. I certainly would not have changed it from plain text, if I saw that choice, and don't understand why I would send an email to someone in HTML unless I knew that was their format. Forgive my ignorance, why use HTML in an email?

I've only been using Thunderbird since it came out, years ago. I had to dump my Windows program and re-install it. Lost the Thunderbird program, but kept the email files, of course. To use them, I had to download the new Thunderbird. It is different, as downloaded.

Are you missing the Menu Bar in the Write window? It has File-Edit-View-Insert and Format on it. If so press the alt key to make it appear. Then select View-Toolbars and click it on.

Forgive my ignorance, why use HTML in an email?

Because you want to format it. You cannot format plain text. That is why they named it plain text.

Thanks, Alt key brings up the bar, but it doesn't stay there, even after View shows it's checked. I can handle it. Much obliged. Denis

That does not sound right. If the Menu Bar is checked it should display. Do you have any add ons installed? Restart Thunderbird with add ons disabled. You do this from the Help Menu.

That worked, and now that bar is there when writing. The program is in Safe mode, with Add-on's deleted. Not sure how they got there. Thanks a lot. Denis

If it works in safe mode you have an add on or theme causing problems. You can disable them one at a time to find the problem add on.

I was going to try that, but it's good to hear it should work. Thanks. I like Thunderbird and wondered why the geeks have to keep fixing things that work. My son is a professional geek, but he's on an aircraft carrier and busy. I will donate to help out. Regards, Denis