I use Mail in column layout. Just upgraded to Catalina to discover I cannot alter the Message list font. In Preferences>Fonts & Colours I can alter the font size, but not the typeface, which is stuck on some ugly squared-off default.
I can change the face if I uncheck the column view mode, but I’m not a fan of that viewing mode
I can’t believer apple would have hobbled Mail's ability to changer typefaces on Mail list.
Anyone know what’s going on?
They also took away the ability to customize which columns are displayed, the order in which they are displayed, and their widths.
There are two other long discussions on this problem elsewhere. Here's one of them: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250711797?answerId=253062394022&replyId=253062394022
It's my understanding that there is no solution to the font issue. Suggestion is to send feedback at
Hey Jack Holland,
If we understand correctly, you want to change the font used in Mail. We would recommend you use this article for more information. We'd like to specifically call out this section/information.
Do you see a setting that says Message font? Does it have a Select button next to it?
"To change these preferences in the Mail app 
on your Mac, choose Mail > Preferences, then click Fonts & Colors.
Message list font
The font and font size for viewing the list of messages. Click Select to use a different font.
Message font
The font and font size for writing and viewing messages. Click Select to use a different font.
If the sender used a specific font for a message, that font is used when viewing the message."
Change Fonts & Colors preferences in Mail on Mac
Please don't hesitate to let us know if the steps resolved your issue or if you need additional assistance.
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. Have a good one.
Hi
The font used in the Mail text can changed as with previous MacOS iterations.
The problem in Catalina is with the Message list font. I can click on different fonts under Mail>Preferences>Fonts & Colours, but whatever font I click on the Message list font does not change. All I can do is change the size of the font, which is not the same font I used in Mojave, and is actually quite ugly.
Please see attached screengrab. I have changed the Message list font to Albertus (purely show you the problem) but as you can see the Message list font is unchanged.
Jack
(Apple user since 1984)
They read but do not respond to feedback.
On the feedback page: We read all feedback carefully, but we are unable to respond to each submission individually.
If you want to contact Apple Support directly: Get Support.
Have a nice day.
Hi
Apologies, I should have said that I already tried booting in safe mode. Made no difference to the problem.
Jack
Hey Mario
Any response to my query of July 17?
Thanks Boyd, already done the. I was hoping Apple might bother to respond, as it appears their support staff are unaware that this isn’t an error (see this thread).
Hey Jack Holland,
Thanks for the update. Since you are able to select different fonts but they don't change, try booting into safe mode and try to change it there too.
How to use safe mode on your Mac
Cheers.
Thanks Don, in particular for pointing me to the thread.
Note that so far in the communications with me Apple aren’t admitting this is even a recognised problem. Their message to me of July 16 reads
Message list font
The font and font size for viewing the list of messages. Click Select to use a different font.
I agree with the many posters who think this is an unacceptable dumbing down of Mail. I find it hard to believe they’d remove functionality we’ve had for years (and not restore it in 10.15.6). Never thought I’d have to use Outlook...
Will send feedback to Apple.
Hello Jack Holland,
If the setting is there but it won‘t change, and it happens in safe mode, We can try and isolate if the happens in a different use profile. Create a new user and test again if it happens in there too.
Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac
Have a nice day.
Hi Mario
I set up a new user, and it made no difference to the Mail problems I listed.
Are you aware this thread, which details hundred of users who have experienced problems with Column view and Message list font when upgrading to Catalina?
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250711797?answerId=253062394022&replyId=253062394022
It appears that the removal of adjustable columns, and the ability to change fonts in message list, is a deliberate decision on Apple's part.
Can you explain why this is, and if Apple are actively working to restore these essential missing features? If they are not, why not?
Jack
Message list font unchangeable
