This is how to set fonts for viewing and writing:

- go to TB menu > Settings > General > Language & Fonts > Fonts > click 'Advanced' button

- at the top, set 'Fonts for:' to Latin if it isn't already

- change Proportional and Monospace fonts/sizes to your liking

- set Minimum font size to 14

- at the top, change set 'Fonts for:' to Other Writing Systems

- repeat the process of changing fonts/sizes

- at the bottom, make sure 'Allow messages to use other fonts' is disabled if desired > OK > close the popup

Thank you, that did it. I wonder if there's a way for the designers to avoid confusion between the two font settings procedures.

Frank

the challenge is that thunderbird has tens of thousands of users, using different languages. Thunderbird provides the variety of fonts and character sets to support this wide audience. I agree it takes a number of steps, but once done, it's great. :)

I understand that it's a complex system, but a line in the appropriate place under Composition/HML-whatever that says "does not affect Plain Text" or the equivalent shouldn't pose such a burden.

Frank

Actually, when one combines HTML font options, the choices get bigger. Persons who just use HTML fonts are usually more confused because thunderbird attempts to minimize impact on recipients, letting them pick their chosen fonts. If you use 'variable font' in HTML, and medium size, NO FONT specs are sent. This is considered good by many, as the recipient isn't dependent on the sender's font. This is one of those issues where we could discuss over beer and peanuts for hours, achieving little more than headaches and calories. :) take care.