Thunderbird - need help with Compose margins


jimmy_boat

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Windows 11
Hi, I recently switched from Postbox to Thunderbird and, to be honest, I'm not really enjoying the aesthetics or reduced functionality. However, as Postbox support seems to have evaporated, and the migration was easy (Postbox is a fork of TB), I thought this was the smartest switch. So now I'm trying to push through the various things that get under my skin.

In this case, I would love to add some margin / padding to my compose window. Here's what the Postbox compose window looked like:

1731000544863.png

Here's what I am getting in TB:

1730999722173.png

Notice how Postbox includes additional white space above the first line of text, and more white space (margin? padding?) to the left. I have scoured the internet and can't find anything to help me adjust this in TB. Note that I am currently on TB version 128.4.0 and I'm using a userChrome.css file which I've cobbled together from suggestions other people have made (to address different aesthetic issues). I've attached the css file but I had to change it to a .txt to be able to upload it.

Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
 

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Is the padding you want to show in the Compose Window meant for cosmetic reason only, or is the spacing you want meant to be a part of the message itself (ie. for eample to add an actual extra line to the top of the message, and indent all the lines)?

If for a cosmetic effect only, then you could try adding some padding to the Message Editor to see if it helps you in any way. (The padding gets applied to the outside of the message edit area - I have set 20px at top and 30px on the left and right hand sides to balance the horizontal view).

userChrome.css
Code:
userChrome.css
/* 30px padding along the width of the Compose Window */
/* 20px padding at top of the Compose Window          */
#messageEditor {
     padding-inline: 30px !important;
     padding-top:    20px !important;
}
Compose-default.png
Compose-padding.png
 

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Hi das10, thank-you for your reply!

Technically it is for cosmetic effect only. Is there any way to combine your padding settings with something that would turn the surround of the editor white?

So with your CSS I get:

1731017825475.png

but would like to make the area painted yellow (below) all white:

1731017936298.png

I know I'm being picky but for some strange reason this will make a big difference to me.

Thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
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    Manufacturer/Model
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If everything appears to be working ok, then try:
Code:
/* 30px padding along the width of the Compose Window */
/* 20px padding at top of the Compose Window          */
/* white background inside the padding                   */
#messageEditor {
     padding-inline:   30px  !important;
     padding-top:      20px  !important;
     background-color: white !important;
}
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom
    CPU
    intel i7-8700 (non-K)
    Motherboard
    Asus Z370 TUF Gaming
    Memory
    32Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    On-board Intel iGPU
    Sound Card
    On-board Realtek
    Hard Drives
    Samsung_SSD_850_EVO
    PSU
    Corsair Rm850X
    Cooling
    All air
That did it! Perfect! Thanks so much das10
 

My Computer

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  • OS
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    Computer type
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    Manufacturer/Model
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