To reuse a whole email in Thunderbird, save it as a template and open a copy for the next message. For individual paragraphs, Quicktext inserts saved text inside Thunderbird, while PhraseVault® lets you reuse it across desktop apps. With PhraseVault, press Ctrl+. on Windows or Cmd+. on macOS, search for the paragraph, and press Enter to paste it into your message.
Choose the tool according to what you reuse: a complete message, a sign-off, or a paragraph that also belongs in replies elsewhere.
Save a complete email as a Thunderbird template
Write your message and choose File → Save As → Template. The subject line helps you identify it in the template folder. Thunderbird normally saves it in Templates, but you can choose the folder in the account settings under Copies & Folders. Mozilla explains the template folder setting.
Double-click the saved template to create a new message with a copy of its contents. You can change the subject and body without changing the original. Templates are useful for complete messages; for a sentence in a reply you've already started, use a saved snippet instead.
For a regular sign-off and contact details, use Thunderbird's account signature. Save it in PhraseVault too if you also need it in other apps.
The Quicktext add-on
Quicktext is a Thunderbird add-on for inserting saved text while you compose a message. It keeps the workflow inside Thunderbird, which is convenient if that is where you use your replies. Check the compatible Thunderbird versions on the Quicktext add-on page before installing or updating it.
Choose PhraseVault when you also need the same wording in a browser, a ticket system, or another email app. It uses a separate phrase library rather than a Thunderbird add-on.
PhraseVault works by summoning a search and choosing the text, so you don't need to memorize codes that expand as you type.
When saved text seems to have disappeared
Before recreating your texts, check where they were saved and whether the add-on is still available:
- Check the template folder configured for the sending account under Copies & Folders; it may be in another account or in local folders.
- Expand the folder list. If an IMAP template folder is missing, check whether you are subscribed to it.
- If the texts came from Quicktext, check whether the add-on is enabled and compatible with your installed Thunderbird version.
PhraseVault snippets are stored in its own database. If those are missing, check which database is selected in its settings and use Open Database to select the file that holds them.
The same replies outside Thunderbird
PhraseVault pastes through the clipboard into Thunderbird and other apps that support normal paste. It runs on Windows 10 or later (x64) and macOS 13 or later on Apple Silicon. On Linux, PhraseVault requires Omarchy or Arch with Hyprland; on other distributions, use Thunderbird's built-in templates or a compatible add-on such as Quicktext.
On a Mac, enable PhraseVault in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility so it can paste; otherwise, it copies the text for you to paste manually. If the default shortcut is already in use, you can change the summon shortcut. For names, dates, and other variable details, add dynamic placeholders to your saved replies.
If you also use Outlook, the Quick Parts guide explains its built-in options. For a library you can use across email apps, see the email templates guide.
Give phrases clear names such as "Reply received" or "Meeting proposal". Fuzzy search finds partial words in names and unprotected text, in any word order, and frequently used phrases appear first.
Replies worth saving
Message received:
Thank you for your message about {{input:Topic}}. I'll get back to you by {{input:When}}.
A time to meet:
Would {{input:Day and time}} work for a conversation about {{input:Topic}}? If not, please suggest two other times that suit you.
A short absence:
I'm away until {{input:Date}} and will reply to your message when I return.
Following up:
I'm following up on {{input:Topic}} from {{input:Date}}. Is there an update, or do you need anything else from me?
Handing it to the right person:
Thank you for your message. I've forwarded it to {{input:Name}}, who handles this matter and will reply to you.
Download PhraseVault for a 14-day free trial, no credit card required. Save two replies you often use and try them in your next Thunderbird message.