Missing option to define a global default "From" address and limited identity management

[ral9005]

I would like to report a usability issue regarding how Thunderbird handles the default “From” address when composing new messages in multi-account setups, as well as the limited tools for managing identities.

Thunderbird currently chooses the sender identity based on the folder or account from which the user initiates the “New Message” action. This behavior makes sense for users who actively send mail from multiple accounts, but it causes problems for users who only want to receive mail in several accounts while sending exclusively from one primary address.

There is currently no user-friendly option in Thunderbird’s standard settings to:

• define a global default sender identity used across all accounts,

• override the automatic, folder-based identity selection,

• or easily manage identities across multiple accounts.

The only working solution today requires editing prefs.js manually, duplicating the preferred identity for every account, and placing it as the first identity in the account’s identity list. This workaround is functional but non-intuitive, error-prone, and not accessible through the UI.

✔️Suggested improvements

1. Add a clear option to set a global default identity
For example:

• “Always use this identity as the default ‘From’ address across all accounts.”

• “Disable folder-based automatic identity selection.”

2. Improve identity management across accounts
Thunderbird’s current identity system is tightly bound to individual accounts, and identities cannot be easily reused or copied. Enhancements could include:

• The ability to copy an identity to another account.

• Support for global identities that can be assigned to any account without manual duplication.

• A clearer overview of all identities, independent of account boundaries.

• A way to set priority or fallback identities at the application level.

✔️Why these changes matter

Accidentally sending mail from the wrong account is a common and frustrating issue for many users. Improved identity management and a global default sender option would:

• simplify common multi-account workflows

• prevent errors

• reduce the need for manual configuration file edits

• improve Thunderbird’s usability in professional and organizational environments

Thank you for considering these improvements.

[Jon]

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