# Thunderbird: Default Email Sorting


# Thunderbird: Default Email Sorting

This guide shows how to set Thunderbird to sort by date, show newest emails first, and enable threaded view.

{{< admonition info "In this article" >}}
- **Default sorting** by date
- **Descending order** for newest-first
- **Threaded view** configuration
{{< /admonition >}}

Mozilla Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client with a configurable interface. Here we focus on changing the default sort order so the newest messages appear on top.

## Procedure
1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Go to Tools → Settings (or Preferences on some builds).
3. In General, scroll to Config Editor and open it.
4. Accept the warning to continue.
5. Search and edit the settings below.

### Sort by date
Search for `mailnews.default_sort_type` and set it to `18`.

### Change order (newest first)
Search for `mailnews.default_sort_order` and set it to `2` (descending, newest first). Use `1` for ascending.

### Enable thread view
Search for `mailnews.default_view_flags` and set it to `1` to enable conversation grouping.


## Conclusion

Close the Config Editor when you're done; changes apply immediately. Your inbox should now follow the new sorting and view settings.