How do I diable HTML email in Mail.app?

[ee99ee]

Forgive me, I'm a new Mac user. I'm switching from Thunderbird to Mail.app. How do I disable HTML email?

According to Apple, it can be done by following these directions, however the option it mentions ("Display images and embedded objects in HTML messages") is not available. The only thing I see is "Display remote images in HTML messages," which I have unchecked, but HTML email is still coming through just without the images.

I have set Plain Text as the method of composition, however I want HTML email disabled for viewing as well.

How do I do this? I'm surpised the Apple documentation isn't accurate...

-Chris

 

[x86]

Here's a discussion on the topic in the apple fourms.

The documentation is actually correct, you are disabling HTML objects but not all HTML. This still provides the security level that you are probably looking for.

 

[reh]

Close Mail and then open Terminal (/Applications/Utilites/Terminal) and copy/paste the following:

defaults write com.apple.mail PreferPlainText -bool TRUE

then hit the ol' enter key

That'll totally disable the display of HTML mail. Only the plain-text alternative will be displayed.

 

[ee99ee]

The documentation is actually correct, you are disabling HTML objects but not all HTML. This still provides the security level that you are probably looking for.

It's not a matter of security... it's a matter of me thinking that email should only be plaintext... if I want a webpage, send me a link, I'll open it in my browser... hehe


Thanks reh, that worked great!

-Chris

 

[reh]

Thanks reh, that worked great!

You're very welcome. I was quite happy when I stumbled across that little gem. I should also note that if you ever need to see the HTML version of an email, you can go to View -> Message -> Next Alternative.

 

[ahunter3]

It's not a matter of security... it's a matter of me thinking that email should only be plaintext... if I want a webpage, send me a link, I'll open it in my browser... hehe

Hear, hear!

 

[ee99ee]

Hmmm... just upgraded to leopard and this trick doesn't seem to work. How do you disable HTML email in mail.app under Leopard?

-Chris

 

[packeteer]

Hmmm... just upgraded to leopard and this trick doesn't seem to work. How do you disable HTML email in mail.app under Leopard?
-Chris

Same in Mail 4.5 under SL
Mail.app really frustrates me sometimes!