Mozilla Thunderbird is a type of e-mail client similar to Microsoft Outlook. However, it is free, based on open source coding and can be modded in ways to make it more customizable for everyone to use. From the start once downloaded, Thunderbird seeks to be an easy-to-use and simple e-mail client. It offers standard features that most clients offer, such as junk message filters, message sorting and is supported on many different operating systems.

One of the most unique features of Mozilla products, including Firefox and Thunderbird, is the ability for the programs to be modded. These modifications come in the form of themes and extensions. Themes allow you to change the graphical interface, color scheme and layout of the browser. You can find themes in a variety of colors, ideas and more. Extensions, on the other hand, allow you to change the way the e-mail client interacts with itself, with you and with the e-mail you send and receive. Modding Thunderbird is relatively easy, and this guide will show you how to do it.

If you have ever modded Firefox, you know it is relatively easy since the program itself can import XPI files that are the basis of those extensions and themes. Thunderbird does not have a similar feature for import, since you are generally not browsing the Internet through the e-mail client. Thus, you have to take a few additional steps to install extensions, themes and add-ons in Thunderbird to make them work. Even though it may seem like a bit more work, you will not regret taking these steps to install mods for Thunderbird and customizing your browser.

First and foremost, you have to find the extensions or themes you want to install. Once you find them, download them to your desktop or to a folder you will remember. Make sure you know what version of Thunderbird you have first, that way you download the right version of extensions or themes. Otherwise, they will not be compatible with Thunderbird and will not install at all. In some cases, they may install but be corrupt and cause issues with the smooth running of the program. You may even corrupt the source code so badly that you will lose everything and have to reinstall the program to get it to work again.

When you have the right version of the extension or theme, you can begin to import it into Thunderbird. You want to load Thunderbird and then minimize it, click on the extension or theme you want to install and drag it into the program. Thunderbird will recognize it as a XPI file and will go through a similar process to install it. It will ask you if you want to proceed, you want to say yes and then it will install the mod. If you are hesitant at all about the extension, do not click yes unless you are ready. This is the point of no return for modding Thunderbird. Once you install the extension, you cannot go back and undo any damage it may cause.

Once installed, you will need to restart Thunderbird to access settings and utilize either the theme or mod. Depending on the mod, you may not realize it is even there or working until it is in action. If that is the case, go through the instructions with the extension and then make it a point to try it out to ensure it works. If not, you may want to uninstall and reinstall to see if there was a problem during installation. If it still does not work, you may not have a good extension or there may be a deeper issue. At this point, check out any troubleshooting issues others have had with using the mod. After all that, if you still cannot get it to work, you may have to abandon that extension or theme and seek out others.

The themes or extensions will be hosted under Tools and Add-Ons. From the Add-Ons menu, you can change any settings related to the particular extensions and you can apply new themes. If there are updates or any mods are disabled, the Add-Ons menu will tell you so you know to update or find new mods to use with Thunderbird. If you ever want to disable or uninstall a mod, this is the place to do it as well. You will have to restart every time you make a change like that, so make sure to save your work accordingly before doing so.

Finding Thunderbird extensions and themes can be found in one of three ways: Visiting Mozilla's web site, searching for third party mods via search engine or developing them yourself. These are the easiest ways to find extensions. When you find what you are looking for, do not forget to save the extension or theme to an easy to find place on your desktop. From there, the sky is the limit as far as modding Thunderbird.

By visiting Mozilla's web site, you can find the very best of extensions and themes. Not only will you find them, you can also go through a list of the most popular, the highest rated and read reviews of them. This gives you a detailed list of what the extensions do, the bugs involved with them and any problems users may have had with it. There might even be some troubleshooting efforts made by users who have had problems. Basically, Mozilla's site seeks to bring the very best of extensions and themes to Thunderbird users.

If Mozilla's site still does not have what you are looking for, you can begin to look for third party extensions and themes via search engine. Bring up Google or Yahoo and then search for either "Thunderbird extensions" or a more detailed description of the type of mod you are looking for. This will generally bring up some web sites, forums and other resources to track down extensions and themes more geared towards what you want.

Be careful when using any of these extensions, because while they are not approved or supported by Mozilla's web site, they may still be of use. However, they can also cause problems if coded wrong, installed with the wrong version of Thunderbird or otherwise are poorly developed. Make sure to read through the instructions, any other feedback left on the extension and then proceed with caution when installing.

The final way to find Thunderbird extensions is to make them yourself. While this does not appeal to everyone, it may be the right road to take if you are developer and cannot find the right extension to use. This takes time, dedication and understanding of Thunderbird's source code. Again, proceed with caution when installing developments yourself to ensure you do not destroy the software as it is installed on your system.

What next?

After modding Thunderbird, there are three things you should keep an eye out for. First, make sure to update the primary e-mail client software when new updates come out. Mozilla works hard to make its products the safest and securest out there, updates do not come haphazardly from the company. However, when you do update the software, it may cause a conflict with the extensions and themes you have installed. If this is the case, you may want to wait to upgrade until new versions of your mods are released. Otherwise, update as you wish.

Second, make sure to keep your mods up to date. Many developers release updates to fix bugs and other issues that crop up. By communicating with the maker, you can also help develop and give much needed feedback to keep extensions and themes running through multiple Thunderbird releases.

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for new extensions, themes and other add-ons for Thunderbird. You never know what you can find to personalize your e-mail client further. Take the time to find the right mods from the start, and then add to it as time goes on to make Thunderbird your own.