Archive shortcut
I would like to assign the Backspace key to the Archive function, much like the Del key is assigned to deleting a message. How can I do that?
It makes sense to me to have that. When I'm sifting through my messages, I'm doing so by keyboard. Sifting through messages involves deleting some messages, and archiving others. It makes sense to have both delete and archive accessible by keyboard. Currently I have to switch between keyboard and mouse, which is unneccesarily tedious. Breaks my flow and whatall.
NB: this is literally the only thing I like about Outlook, the fact that the archive function is accessible by the Backspace key.
All Replies (6)
I believe the 'A' key is the archive shortcut.
That's better than nothing. I'm not sure how I could've possibly known this, as it's not in the tooltip of buttons, nor is there any shortcut mentioned in most items in the hamburger menu.
Feels like a bug, that part.
Still, how can I change this shortcut?
re :I'm not sure how I could've possibly known this, as it's not in the tooltip of buttons, nor is there any shortcut mentioned in most items in the hamburger menu.
It's mentioned in several places. In version 102* and all previous versions you will see. If you have 'Menu Bar' enabled then:
- Message > Archive
- Note the 'A' is underlined as a key to use in that menu and it has the letter 'A' on the right which informs user of the designated shortcut key which can be used.
In the same way 'Edit' > 'Copy' has the 'Ctrl+C' to the right denoting what shortkey can be used.
On the menu hamburger option:
- Select 'Message '
- You will then see 'Archive' and it also denotes a short letter 'A' on the right.
In version 115*: the Hamburger menu has changed alot, loads of menu items have been completely removed as the 'menu app icon' now only contains a few items that are relevant in all tabs. So to be honest, it's better to use the 'Menu Bar' which is still as good as ever.
The Support Forum also offers various Help Articles and this one mentions all the shortcuts.
Buttons themselves do not display shortcut tooltip info because if using the button then you do not need the shortcut. The tooltip only informs what that button does.
Once upon a time there was an addon called 'dorando keyconfig' which helped to create shortcuts, but this has not been updated for a while.
But since you now know what shortcut key to use, it chnages the situation, what is the point of trying to create something different - after all 'A' for 'Archive' is not awkward to remember. I'm not sure if there is another addon which can do this.
re :Still, how can I change this shortcut?
I've had a dig around and located an addon which sounds like it could do as you require.
Works with Thunderbird 68.0 - 115.* Custom Thunderbird keybindings This add-on is a follow on to Keyconfig which is no longer supported. It is aimed at power users. Please look at the GitHub site before leaving a one star review about documentation or usability.
> what is the point of trying to create something different - after all 'A' for 'Archive' is not awkward to remember
You're missing the point. I just want to assign it the backspace key. If you want to question why I want to do this, it's very simple: I'm used to it from also having to use Outlook. Other than that, you're not really in a position to question user preferences, nor to call it "not awkward", positioning your opinion as if it is a fact.
I just want to change/assign the shortcut key. That is all. Is there a solution or not?
If yes: Please do let me know. If no: Mozilla, please consider this a feature request then.
> I've had a dig around and located an addon which sounds like it could do as you require.
I'm not sure that this is something that ought to be resolved by an addon. I consider customising shortcut keys a core functionality of any mature application that has more than a few keyboard-accessible options. This is cirticism aimed at Mozilla of course, not at you.
Modified by thany
re :I'm not sure that this is something that ought to be resolved by an addon. I'm not questioning your preference, merely pointing out there is a current method which you seemed to be not aware of being available. But if you still do not want to use it then there is a choice which I found in an addon.
If you do not want to use the default then using the addon is the only method available.
I've discovered over the years that if there is a current addon available then developers tend not to spend time implementing something a user can install and use. They spend time debugging and introducing new/enhancements to provide extra functionalities otherwise not available. They also only do it if there is a big enough call for it. This is not my opinion, it's just an observation. But hopefully that addon will allow you to manipulate the shortcut key as you desire.
You can always make a request for it at this link: https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/ideas/idb-p/ideas but as you are looking for something now, you may find the addon a better solution.