QuickFile

QuickFile

QuickFile is a Thunderbird extension meant to speed up filing messages and navigating your folder hierarchy using the keyboard and quick autocomplete-like search.

Upon pressing a shortcut key, QuickFile allows you to type part of a folder name and displays the matching list of folders. You can then select one of them using the arrow keys to perform the desired action, either move the selected messages there, or navigate to this folder.

History

This QuickFile extension is largely based on Paul Tomlin's Quickfile, still available at http://quickfile.mozdev.org/. As the original extension hasn't been updated since 2006 and was not compatible with Thunderbird 3, and as we already had a slightly modified version for our own use, this new version was a logical step.

The version available here is different from the original, as we removed the automatic folder creation feature, as well as "instamove", "instacopy", the help files, and the default folder and search root option (see the original extension for an explanation of these features).

We also removed the xpt component bindings as it didn't work in TB3 and we didn't have the source or the knowledge to fix it. Instead, we implemented a new autocomplete UI which didn't use the XPT component and which works very well.

Finally, a "guess" feature was added, to automatically fill the Move box with the most probable destination for the selected messages, based on the sender's address, domain and name. If you sort your messages using correspondents' names or domain/company name, there's a good change this guess feature will be able to save you a few keystroke. If not, well, it shouldn't get too much in the way as the correct folder is still a few keystrokes away.

Usage

The default shortcuts are

• Alt-Q to move the selected messages (after choosing a destination folder)
• Ctrl-/ to navigate to the typed folder.

Download

To download a Thunderbird extension, the easiest way is to open Thunderbird's Add-Ons window, then to drag the extension link on this page and drop it on the opened Add-Ons window. You can also save it on your desktop and install it from there.

The latest version of the extension is available here: quickfile.xpi

Credits

• Original extension creator: Paul Tomlin
• Creator: Niversoft Idées Logicielles
• Developer: Nicolas Hatier

Version History

• v0.20.1: Fixed an issue with the option dialog not resizing to changing contents
• v0.20.0: Completed the Thunderbird 3 port and cleaned the package
• v0.18.3: Initial port to Thunderbird 3
• v0.18.2: Removed the features we didn't use / didn't want to support in the upcoming TB3 port
• v0.18.1: Minor fixes
• v0.18.0: Added the automatic guess feature

Known issues

• When using the navigation function and trying to go to a folder several levels down the tree, it happens that one of the higher-level parents don't open, so you may have to issue the navigate command two times.

License

QuickFile carries the same MPL 1.1 license as the original extension. It is distributed as is, without warranty.