How to View the Source of a Message in Mozilla Thunderbird

Here's where to find the HTML source code for any email

by
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
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Heinz Tschabitscher
Updated on January 25, 2021

Mozilla Thunderbird is a cross-platform, feature-rich free email client with many customization and security options. If you'd like to check out the HTML source code of an email message, Mozilla makes it easy, whether from an unopened or open message.

View a Thunderbird Email's Source Information

If you'd like to identify a spam message's origins or troubleshoot problems with an email, viewing the message's source can be helpful.

  1. Highlight an unread message in your Thunderbird inbox.

    Highlight an unread message in your Thunderbird inbox.

  2. From the top menu, select View > Message Source.

    From the top menu, select View > Message Source.

  3. View the message's source information.

    View your message's source information.

    Quickly view a message's source using a Thunderbird keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+U on a Windows or Linux PC, or press Command+U on a Mac.

  4. Alternatively, open an email in Thunderbird.

    Alternatively, open an email in Thunderbird.

  5. From the top menu, select View > Message Source.

    From the top menu, select View > Message Source.

  6. View the message's source information.

    View your message's source information.

View a Message Source With Thunderbird's Menu Button

It's also easy to access a message's source using the Thunderbird menu button.

  1. Highlight an email in your Thunderbird inbox.

    Highlight an email in your Thunderbird inbox.

  2. Select the Thunderbird Menu button from the upper-right corner.

    Select the Thunderbird Menu button from the top right.

  3. Select View.

    Select View.

  4. Select Message Source.

    Select Message Source

  5. View the message's source information.

    View your message's source information.

View a Message's Headers

If you'd like more information about a message but don't need the source code, opt to view all of a message's headers.

  1. Select a message from your Thunderbird inbox.

    Select a message from your Thunderbird inbox.

  2. Select View > Headers.

    Select View > Headers.

  3. Select All.

    Select All.

  4. You'll see all the messages' email headers.

    You'll see all the messages email headers.
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