Option to change background color in Mail message is GONE

In earlier versions of Mail (e.g. Mojave), the font panel (⌘+T) had multi-function toolbar buttons with a small left side panel that changed its icon based on one or two clicks:

The left is the text color and the right is the background color of the message body. This functionality does not exist on Ventura. There is no means to set the background color on an outgoing message from the user interface.

WIth each new upgrade of the operating system, Apple changes application styling, and all too frequently removes habitual features such as the ability above to set the message body background color. However, there is also no guarantee that the recipients email client would honor such coloration.

garyfromsaint paul wrote:

I'm beginning to think some coder stupidly eliminated this feature, and nobody at Apple is willing to admit the blunder.

I have used Macs since the original 128k model, and I've written code. Do I have to consider going to a third-party mail app because Apple has managed to screw up their own application?

The are changes in every macOS upgrade. ..you either roll with it or start throwing accusatory remarks.

It well could be that a little used/or known about obscure option— was purposefully eliminated.

To be proactive you can submit your user feedback here directly to the Product Team:

https://www.apple.com/feedback/mail.html

Third party is always a option if you can not live without the color background for your current emails.

.Post back when you settle on an alternative email client that suits your needs better.

garyfromsaint paul wrote:

In Apple Mail, command-T has always been a shortcut to invoke the fonts panel, which also had a box to click to select the color of the message BACKGROUND.

But since I installed the Ventura OS v.13.0.1 on my Mac Studio Max 3 days ago, it is MISSING. Instead, there is a mysterious box marked "H" which turns red if I click it, but does absolutely nothing.

I spent half an hour with a smart Apple phone support guy who couldn't find an answer, and he's sent a request to tech people about this issue. (This seems to me like a failure in coding which should never exist in a stable OS release.)

Has anyone else found a workaround to this nettling problem?

I have never heard nor seen this option before...

Use the Mail>Help menu> and see if this gets you any closer

if no insight —

you can call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)

or

on line Apple Support

Just to add, the box is still in Ventura although it has no effect. The other thing is, the background color if set in Monterey, only appears for Mac users in Mail. The background color is stripped out in most email clients and/or webmail.

garyfromsaint paul wrote:

At his suggestion, I also submitted detailed feedback to the URL you cite before starting this thread. I submit that is adequately "proactive."

leroydouglas is very talented and knowledgable but, to the best of my knowledge, not a mind reader. How would they have known you had submitted feedback?