A Step-By-Step Guide to Searching Mail in Mozilla Thunderbird

This article explains how to find emails in Mozilla Thunderbird using the Thunderbird search bar, quick filters, and advanced search tools.

Use the Thunderbird Search Bar

The quickest option is to use the search bar above your messages. Select the search field and type a person's name, an email address, or any keyword that might appear in the message subject. If there are multiple matches, select one of the auto-completion choices.

Thunderbird Quick Filters

Select Quick Filter at the top of Thunderbird to see a list of search filters. Select one or more of the filters below to see all messages that match the criteria. For example, selecting Attachment shows all messages with attachments. To further narrow your matches, use the search bar beneath the main Thunderbird search bar.

Mozilla Thunderbird Advanced Search

Thunderbird offers more search tools to help you find the exact email you're looking for.

1. Go to Edit > Find > Search Messages.

   You can also bring up the advanced search options with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+F.

2. Select the Search for messages in drop-down menu to choose between All Mail, a specific address, or a folder.

3. Select the Subject drop-down list to choose the criteria for the search.

4. In the next box, choose an operator (for example, contains, doesn't contain, or begins with).

5. Type a search term in the text field and select Search. Your results appear in the box below.

Thunderbird Search Folders

You can save your search results in a folder so that you don't have to search again in the future.

1. After completing your search, select Save as Search Folder.

2. Enter a name for your search folder and select Create.

3. Your saved search folder appears with the rest of your folders in the left sidebar.