Thunderbird: the 5 best add-ons

Thunderbird offers many add-ons to make operation as convenient as possible for the user. In this article we show you the five best.

Thunderbird Add-on Lightning

Lightning is the calendar add-on for Thunderbird.

• The add-on enables you to manage tasks and appointments directly in Thunderbird.
• It enables you to integrate online calendars in Lightning.
• You can have multiple calendars displayed at the same time. These are then identified by color coding.
• It is also possible to invite friends or colleagues to an appointment.
• For some time now, Lightning has been preinstalled natively in Thunderbird.

Export emails with ImportExportTools

Thunderbird already comes with an import / export tool for emails. However, this is rather narrow in its range of functions.

• The ImportExportTools addon extends the functionality of the standard import / export tool.
• You can also import or export individual folders.
• As export format you have the choice between Mbox, Eml, Html, Csv, Plaintext, PDF and many others. These formats can also be imported.
• You also have the option to schedule backups.
• Instructions on how to install add-ons can be found in another practical tip.

Integrate Google Calendar into Thunderbird via add-on

There is an extra addon for your Google Calendar.

• The add-on provider for Google Calendar enables you to easily integrate your Google calendar into Thunderbird with the Lightning add-on (presented above).
• So you can easily access your appointments and tasks.
• Not only do you have read access, you can also make changes that are automatically transferred to your Google Calendar.
• Also read the practical tip for installing Thunderbird addons.

Encrypt emails with Enigmail

The Enigmail add-on encrypts and authenticates your messages with OpenPGP.

• Emails are like postcards, they lack the protective envelope, the encryption.
• With the Addon Enigmail you can encrypt and decrypt emails. How to protect your messages from unwanted readers.
• Enigmail also manages and creates your secret keys for decrypting emails.
• You can find detailed instructions on how to use Enigmail in another practical tip.

Change language with the Quick Local Switcher

The Addon Quick Local Switcher enables you to quickly switch between different language configurations.

• Spell checking email is very convenient, but only if you write in the correct language.
• This addon lets you change your language configuration easily in the toolbar.
• For example, if you write a mail in English, you can easily change the spelling correction to English.

Further practical tips will tell you how you can use Thunderbird to encrypt your emails or create vacation notes in Thunderbird.