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Disabling "Compose messages in HTML format" doesn't work

  • 2 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 21 views
  • Last reply by mgmi

mgmi
mgmi
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Hello.

I've taken off the check mark for "Compose messages in HTML format" in Account settings's Composition & Addressing but when I click "Reply" button to messages, I still get the original message in HTML format and I see the toolbar to format the message.

I found that if I press "Reply" button while pressing Shift key makes it plain text but I always want to reply in plain text.

How do I change the default settings?

I'm using Thunderbird 24.5.0 on OS X 109.3.

Hello. I've taken off the check mark for "Compose messages in HTML format" in Account settings's Composition & Addressing but when I click "Reply" button to messages, I still get the original message in HTML format and I see the toolbar to format the message. I found that if I press "Reply" button while pressing Shift key makes it plain text but I always want to reply in plain text. How do I change the default settings? I'm using Thunderbird 24.5.0 on OS X 109.3.

Chosen solution

Check settings: Thunderbird > Preferences > Advanced > General tab click on 'Config Editor' it will say be carefult :)

in top search type: compose

look for:

  • mail.identity.id1.compose_html

where the .id1. is the account This setting should have been changed to 'false' when you unchecked "Compose messages in HTML format" in Account Settings.

To enforce Plain Text as default, look for these lines. If the Value = 'true', then double click on the line to toggle to 'False'

  • mail.html_compose
  • mail.identity.default.compose_html

Close window - top right X click on OK to save chnages to Preferences.

Close and reopen Thunderbird.

Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (2)

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Check settings: Thunderbird > Preferences > Advanced > General tab click on 'Config Editor' it will say be carefult :)

in top search type: compose

look for:

  • mail.identity.id1.compose_html

where the .id1. is the account This setting should have been changed to 'false' when you unchecked "Compose messages in HTML format" in Account Settings.

To enforce Plain Text as default, look for these lines. If the Value = 'true', then double click on the line to toggle to 'False'

  • mail.html_compose
  • mail.identity.default.compose_html

Close window - top right X click on OK to save chnages to Preferences.

Close and reopen Thunderbird.

Modified by Toad-Hall

mgmi
mgmi Question owner
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Hi Toad-Hall!

Thank you for your prompt response. I changed both of my accounts' "mail.identity.id1.compose_html" to false as well as "mail.html_compose" and "mail.identity.default.compose_html". Then the reply message won't be HTML format any more.

I had no idea it's hidden in a place where non-tech people won't touch. Even if I did, I would have been scared to open when I see the "be careful" message.

Thank you for your help!