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What’s the Most Effective Way to Switch Back to Thunderbird’s Compact Message List and Avoid Clutter?
Thunderbird’s 115.0 “Supernova” update introduced a new Cards view for the message list, aiming to modernize the interface. However, many users find this layout inefficient due to excessive white space and a less compact design. The classic Table view, favored for its streamlined and space-saving format, remains accessible through a few simple adjustments.
Steps to Restore Classic Table View in Thunderbird
- Open Thunderbird and select the three-line (hamburger) menu icon near the minimize button.
- Choose Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the Appearance tab.
- Under the Message List section, select Table View under “View Style.”
This change immediately reverts your message list to the classic, compact table layout, optimizing visibility and reducing wasted space.
Restoring Classic Layout with Message Pane Below
- Click the hamburger menu again.
- Go to View > Layout > Classic View.
This places the message content pane beneath the message list, replicating the traditional Thunderbird reading experience.
Customization Tips
- For those who prefer the Cards view but want a more efficient layout, select the “2 rows” option under Cards View in Settings > Appearance. This reduces each card’s height, making the view less bulky.
- Adjust the Density setting in the main menu to further refine the interface’s compactness.
Key Benefits of Classic Table View
- Maximizes the number of visible emails without scrolling.
- Reduces visual clutter by eliminating unnecessary padding.
- Provides a familiar, efficient workflow for long-time Thunderbird users.
Switching back to the classic view ensures a more productive and visually streamlined email experience, particularly for users managing high volumes of messages.