Mail classic layout

Hello LoudPipesSuck,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities! I understand from the information you provided that you're looking for the Classic laylout in Mail; I'd like to help.

While the option no longer appears in Mail Preferences, you can achieve the same result in the View Menu. You'll want to select "Use Column Layout" and uncheck "Show Side Preview".

Hope this helps.

You're right: I meant Top Hits. These random mails that pop at the top when search results are shown. There seems so be no possibility to turn off this feature. Looking for an alternative mail program now.

Not sure why this feature was removed after seemingly a lifetime of doing things one way. I don't need this change, I don't want to adapt to a new layout. Classic was there for a reason—people used it. I have used it since the beginning of Mac Mail, and I prefer to be able to quickly sort by clicking on headers in the Inbox. The new checked settings in the View dropdown is NOT Classic layout and ignores all of the usable features of it (sorting quickly, adjusting column widths).

Not to mention the fact that this current version of Mac Mail seemingly has issues marking e-mails as read or not read correctly, as well. I'm really not all that thrilled with the updates so far. Seems like every new update is a beta test on live users and an exercise in productivity loss while I try to find work-arounds for the things that changed that I use all day, every day.

Until this morning, I was able to use the "classic" horizontal message list with the "viewing pane" below the list. I have been running the latest version of Catalina (15.2.2). As of a couple of hours ago, the viewing pane is GONE, as is the little grey dot that formerly appeared at the bottom of the list of messages. What is going on ?????

I agree. "use column layout and unchecking show side preview is NOT classic layout". I cannot control column width or order. I cannot quickly click on a column head to resort. I can use the dropdown to resort which is slower, my major complaint is the inability to arrange the columns and control width. The new setup is not better. The classic layout did not need improvement.

Unfortunately, it "looks" the same, but does not function the same. No ability to size columns, and no ability to sort a column with one click on that column. Now one must go to the "Sort by" drop down list. One move too many and very frustrating that such a simple and elegant feature was removed.

As someone who thought I just had to live with that default view, I'm thrilled to have this workaround. No, I can't adjust column width or sort without a few extra clicks, but I can live with that. Just wish there was a way to have new emails appear in bold so they stand out like before.

Thanks for you help!

Update: I figured out how to bold! Yay! I'm happy as a clam with this workaround. Thanks again!

This is NOT classic layout that you are suggesting as a fix.

"use column layout and unchecking show side preview is NOT classic layout"

Why would they remove this feature for Catalina??

No, this does not help. I'm looking to avoid these annoying top his. That's the reason why I prefer the classic view. If this is not possible I'll change to another Mail program

Same with mine when I upgraded, dot did nothing ....

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