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add-ons extensions xpi faq

Add-ons are extensions and other additions that add new functionality to Thunderbird or change its appearance.

__TOC__ = What is an add-on? = Add-ons are extensions and other additions that add new functionality to Thunderbird or change its appearance. Thunderbird has an open, extensible design and program architecture. This enables people to create "[http://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/ add-ons]" to Thunderbird. = Who creates add-ons? = Add-ons are mostly created by Mozilla volunteers, not Mozilla staff members (although some staffers write add-ons in their spare time). In general, though, Mozilla is generally not directly involved in the development of add-ons. Also, while Mozilla hosts a site where developers can distribute their add-ons, and while Mozilla reviews the add-ons that are distributed through that site, Mozilla is not responsible for supporting add-ons. If you need help with an add-on, you should contact the add-on's author. = Where do I get add-ons? = Most Thunderbird add-ons are distributed via the [http://addons.mozilla.org/thunderbird/ Mozilla add-ons site] (although authors can distribute their add-ons any way they choose). You can search and browse the add-ons site via a web browser. Alternatively, you can use the Thunderbird interface (select the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] > {menu Addons} or {menu Tools > Add-ons}) to browse add-ons. = How do I install an add-on? = There are two ways you may install add-ons: from within Thunderbird and from outside Thunderbird. == Installing add-ons downloaded from outside Thunderbird (e.g. using a web browser like Firefox): == # Download the add-on to your computer, unless you already have it saved. #* A source of add-ons is Mozilla's [https://addons.mozilla.org/thunderbird/ Add-ons website]. # In Thunderbird, click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons}, or select {menu Tools > Add-ons}. # Click the gear icon at the top-right corner to the left of the search box and then select {menu Install Add-on From File…} # Browse to the location of the add-on installation file, select it, and click {button Open}. # Click {button Install Now} once the button is available. #* Add-ons that are from https://addons.mozilla.org/ are reviewed by Mozilla. #* If the author is verified, the author name will be displayed. # Restart Thunderbird to complete your changes. == Installing add-ons from within Thunderbird: == # Click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons}, or select {menu Tools > Add-ons}. # Click {menu Get Add-ons}. # Type the name or keywords of the add-on you want in the search field and click the magnifier icon (or press {for mac}{key Return}{/for}{for win,linux}{key Enter}{/for}). # Select the desired add-on from the results list. # Click {button Install}. #* Add-ons that are from https://addons.mozilla.org/ are reviewed by Mozilla. #* If the author is verified, the author name will be displayed. # Restart Thunderbird to complete your changes. = How do I configure add-ons? = Not all add-ons have configurable options. When they do, it is up to the add-on developer to decide how users should access these options. Often developers will make an option for their add-on under Thunderbird's {menu Tools} menu. Refer to the add-on's instructions or documentation, which are probably on the page from which you downloaded the add-on. = What if my add-on is broken? = Contact the add-on developer for support. = How do I see which add-ons are installed? = To see which add-ons have already been installed in Thunderbird, click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons}, or select {menu Tools > Add-ons} from the menu. Installed add-ons are displayed in the {menu Extensions}, {menu Appearance} and {menu Plugins} panels. = How do I update an add-on? = To see if an update is available for an add-on, click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons} or select {menu Tools > Add-ons} from the menu and then check the {menu Extensions}, {menu Appearance} and {menu Plugins} panels. If an update is available, it will be noted in the add-on listing. You can also force Thunderbird to check for updates. Click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons}, or select {menu Tools > Add-ons} from the menu. In each of the {menu Extensions}, {menu Appearance} and {menu Plugins} panels, you can click the gear icon in the top right corner and select {menu Check for Updates}. = How do I disable or uninstall an add-on? = # In Thunderbird, click the menu button [[Image:New Fx Menu]] and click {menu Add-ons}, or select {menu Tools > Add-ons}. # Select your add-on from either the {menu Extensions}, {menu Appearance} or {menu Plugins} panel. # Click {button Disable} to prevent the add-on from loading (without deleting the add-on). Alternatively, click {button Remove} to completely remove the add-on from your system. # Restart Thunderbird. = How do I create/develop an add-on? = You may find information on Add-on development on Mozilla Developer Network's (MDN) [https://developer.mozilla.org/Add-ons Extensions Page]. MDN has a guide on [https://developer.mozilla.org/Add-ons/Creating_Custom_Firefox_Extensions_with_the_Mozilla_Build_System Extensions Development].