Learn the Basics. Get Started

Thunderbird and Gmail

Thunderbird can be set up to work seamlessly with Google's Gmail. Messages will be synchronized between your local version of Thunderbird and web-based Gmail.

Last updated: 7/29/24

The difference between IMAP and POP3

Thunderbird gives users the choice between using IMAP or POP3. This documentation will explain the major differences between these protocols.

Last updated: 6/11/19

How to change the Thunderbird layout

Thunderbird contains three layout options for you to choose from to best fit your preference.

Last updated: 5/20/21

Getting Started with the Thunderbird main window (Supernova and newer)

For Supernova TB115 & newer, an overview of the Thunderbird Mail window, explaining the Folder Pane, Message List Pane, Header Pane, Message Pane, & Today Pane.

Last updated: 1/23/24

Get started with Thunderbird

Getting started with Thunderbird for webmail users

Last updated: 9/16/24

Ignoring threads

The Ignore Thread (or Subthread) feature is very useful for mailing lists. It lets you skip reading the rest of a conversation you're not really interested in.

Last updated: 9/3/17

Make Thunderbird the Default Mail Client

If Thunderbird is specified as your system's default email application, it will integrate with other applications (such as word processors and web browsers).

Last updated: 11/10/18

Installing an Add-on in Thunderbird

Add-ons add functionality to Thunderbird or change its appearance. Learn how to install add-ons to Thunderbird.

Last updated: 12/17/23

Cannot send messages

If you cannot send messages with Thunderbird, this page provides a series of steps you can follow to check for common problems.

Last updated: 12/28/23

Unified Toolbar

Intro to the Unified Toolbar and how to customize the buttons for the different toolbars for: Mail, Address Book, Calendar, Tasks, Chat and Settings "Spaces."

Last updated: 6/12/24

Protect your Thunderbird passwords with a Primary Password

Make Thunderbird require you to enter a primary password in order to view or use passwords you've told Thunderbird to remember.

Last updated: 6/20/24

Maildir in Thunderbird

Optional support for Maildir allows you to store email as individual files, unlike the default single file format. Learn about Maildir in Thunderbird.

Last updated: 3/24/19

Getting started with the Thunderbird main window

An overview of the Thunderbird Mail and Newsgroups window, explaining the Folder pane, Message List pane, Header pane, Message pane, and Today pane.

Last updated: 1/23/24

Dangerous directories

Some system folders are not allowed when setting Thunderbird storage location as they cause issues.

Last updated: 6/26/20

Thunderbird Accessibility Features

Find out about all of the Accessibility features available in Thunderbird.

Last updated: 9/28/23

Thunderbird end of Support for XP and Vista

Support for Windows XP and Vista has ended.

Last updated: 1/2/19

New in Thunderbird 102

Detailed introduction to the most interesting new features, improvements, and changes visible to users in Thunderbird 102.0.

Last updated: 9/15/22

Notifications in Thunderbird

This allows Mozilla to push important, time-sensitive notifications to users. These notifications are scheduled based on version, OS and locale.

Last updated: 11 hours ago

Search Support