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Can I change the Subject line in incoming messages

  • 4 replies
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  • Last reply by david

Mike L
Mike L
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Is it possible to edit the Subject line in an incoming message?

Let me explain. I send an email with a Subject line that is relevant to the message. Some weeks or months later, the recipient decides they need to email me about a different subject. Rather than opening a compose window and typing a Subject that is appropriate to the new message, they simply find the old message from me, and click on Reply. So when I receive that reply, it still has the old Subject line. This plays havoc with my filing system, and makes it virtually impossible for me to find the message at a later time. This happens surprisingly often.

I know I can select "Edit as new message". This opens the message in a compose window, from where I can edit the Subject. The problem is, when I then save the message, it shows my own email address in the From line rather than that of the person who sent it. This just adds to the difficulty of keeping track of messages.

I hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help.

Mike P.S. I am using Thunderbird 60.7.0

Is it possible to edit the Subject line in an incoming message? Let me explain. I send an email with a Subject line that is relevant to the message. Some weeks or months later, the recipient decides they need to email me about a different subject. Rather than opening a compose window and typing a Subject that is appropriate to the new message, they simply find the old message from me, and click on Reply. So when I receive that reply, it still has the old Subject line. This plays havoc with my filing system, and makes it virtually impossible for me to find the message at a later time. This happens surprisingly often. I know I can select "Edit as new message". This opens the message in a compose window, from where I can edit the Subject. The problem is, when I then save the message, it shows my own email address in the From line rather than that of the person who sent it. This just adds to the difficulty of keeping track of messages. I hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your help. Mike P.S. I am using Thunderbird 60.7.0

Chosen solution

There is an addon, editemailsubject, that may address your concerns.

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All Replies (4)

david
david
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

There is an addon, editemailsubject, that may address your concerns.

Mike L
Mike L Question owner
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David, many thanks for your super-fast response. I've installed the add-on, and it appears to go a long way to solving the problem.

I can now edit the subject line as required. The new subject shows up in the message headers within the folder windows (such as the Inbox or various file folders). But the previous subject still appears if I open the message in its own window. Not to worry. If necessary, I can live with that.

Thanks again.

Mike

Mike L
Mike L Question owner
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Update. Since I posted the above reply, I have discovered that I can go to the options for the add-on, and untick "Only local changes". Now the new subject shows up everywhere. Problem solved.

Mike

david
david
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You're very welcome. I also use that addon, and for the same reason.