Description:
When configuring an IMAP account (for example, Proton Mail), Thunderbird currently allows users to subscribe or unsubscribe from most folders. However, some system folders — such as “Folders” and “Labels” created by Proton Mail — cannot be unchecked or hidden. As a result, these unused and inactive folders remain visible in the folder pane on the left side, cluttering the mailbox view and making navigation less efficient.
Proposed Improvement:
Add an option to completely hide or filter out unused or non-subscribable folders from the folder pane. This could be implemented either as:
- An additional checkbox in the “Subscribe” dialog to show/hide all non-active folders, or
- A right-click context option in the folder pane (“Hide unused folders” or “Hide Proton system folders”).
Benefits:
- Cleaner and more focused mailbox layout.
- Better usability for users managing multiple Proton Mail accounts.
- Greater flexibility matching the user’s preferred folder organization.
This would make Thunderbird more compatible with providers like Proton Mail that generate technical IMAP folders not meant for daily use.
