topic Thunderbird - open mail in new tab in Discussions

Thunderbird - open mail in new tab

R3142 — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:19:55 GMT

The last two updates to Thunderbird mail (on Ubuntu) have changed the effect of double-clicking on the mail card: it used to open the message in a new tab, enabling a nearer full screen view of the whole message instead of having to scroll through the preview (this preview pane is a most valuable facility). Now, double-clicking the card brings up an automatic reply message which quotes the original in full, even when settings are set not to do this in replies.

This change is silly: it is unnecessary because

both the menu system and the preview message have Reply and Forward options immediately to hand
the three-dot menu on the card now gives a New Message From Template option if it is wanted,
and opening the message in a new tab is now a less convenient two-menu process.

I hope others will find this as irritating as I do and add to the request for this change to be dropped.

Re: Thunderbird - open mail in new tab - Status changed to: New idea

Jon — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:19:40 GMT

Thanks for submitting an idea to the Mozilla Connect community! Your idea is now open to votes (aka kudos) and comments.

Re: Thunderbird - open mail in new tab

siffemcon — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:21:59 GMT

Which version of TB?

Does that also happen in Troubleshoot mode (https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-mode-thunderbird/)?

Re: Thunderbird - open mail in new tab - Status changed to: Closed

wsm — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:25:58 GMT

> Which version of TB?

> Does that also happen in Troubleshoot mode?

I agree with Ed's instincts. I can't reproduce this, and if it reproduces in troubleshoot mode then please file a bug report.

Re: Thunderbird - open mail in new tab - Status changed to: New idea

wsm — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:45:30 GMT

No response from @R3142, so moving this to discussion and closing.