userChrome.css doesn't work for me [Solved]

[kenj69]

Wanting to do some mods to the interface of TBird, I created the file userChrome.css in the Profile folder for Linux. I first added the @namespace url as the page http://kb.mozillazine.org/UserChrome.css said to do. Then, using Kompozer I added each of the four code items from the Grid Lines page http://kb.mozillazine.org/Grid_lines, in turn, and - nothing changed! (Only one piece of code at a time, and restarting TB each time,)

I originally created userChrome.css in the ~/.thunderbird folder according to http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folde ... x_and_Unix and then tried moving it to ~/.mozilla but with the same results. (~/.mozilla-thunderbird does not exist).

I am new to TBird and have already run into documentation which says to select a non-existent menu item from the Tools menu. In version 52.6.0 I found the options under Edit/Preferences. Has the use of userChrome.css changed as well?

-=Ken=-

[tanstaafl]

I suggest you use "help -> troubleshooting information -> open folder" to open your file manager at the profile to verify that you are using the correct directory tree.

Most people/KB articles assume that you have enabled the menu and mail toolbars (they're enabled under options if you're using the hamburger button) and are not relying upon the hamburger button (it looks like three stacked horizontal lines, in the upper right corner of the window) to access the menus. The menus are different when you use the hamburger button.

I copied and pasted the contents of the userChrome.css file in the chrome directory from my profile below. I suggest you use it to verify that your userChrome.css works. It should change the font/font size used in the user interface (but not in message bodies). If it does, then start editing the file to do what you want.

@namespace url("http://www.mozilla.org/keymaster/gateke ... s.only.xul");

/* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Pane_and_menu_fonts */
/* Global UI font - the leading '*' is not a typo*/
* { font-size: 16pt !important;
font-family: Century SchoolBook !important;
}

[kenj69]

Thanks tanstaafi for the reply. Your method got me into the correct folder.

OK, I got one hurdle done. ~/.thunderbird/<Profile name>/ is where the userChrome.css was supposed to be placed. I mistakenly thought the css file was the profile name - duh!

However, now I have a properly created and placed userChrome.css file with your font size/family specs and - nothing. I changed the font-size to 48 and - no change! This is very frustrating.

Edit: I tried starting in Safe Mode just to see if an Extension was interfering. Same result.

-=Ken=-

[tanstaafl]

Just to be clear, the file is ~/.thunderbird/<Profile name>/chrome/userChrome.css ? The reason I ask is in neither of your posts do you mention a chrome subdirectory.

[kenj69]

[Insert photo of person banging their head on the keyboard]

OK, re-read the instructions. Don't know why I missed so many details. NOW it works! Dang!

Thank you. And, I want to say you have been responsive and patient. Bravo! Appreciated.

If it's any consolation, the typical response time on the KDE forums is 2 to 4 days.

-=Ken=-

[toolong]

If it's any consolation, the typical response time on the KDE forums is 2 to 4 days.

You want a faster response? Tell them that KDE looks like Windows.

[kenj69]

Ha-ha! No, I think the more likely response would be to ignore indefinitely. KDE Neon 5.12 is quite nice however.

-=Ken=-