mail - classic view with reading pane on right side

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Level 1

8 points

mail - classic view with reading pane on right side

Do you know if Mail will ever support the classic view (i.e. one line per message) with the reading pane on the right hand side?

With the actual wide screens, it makes much more sense to have the reading pane on the right, and not at the bottom, which is the only option at present. Having the reading pane on the right and only one line per message is very useful for the sake of efficiency when you have to deal with tens of emails per days. Outlook for Windows already supports it, and only this, it is already a good reason to think about changing to Windows if Apple does not add this functionality.

G

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 11.4

Posted on Jun 18, 2018 3:27 AM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 8:02 AM in response to gsgcdv

Sure:

I think that's what you want anyway.

I can understand confusion since that selection (List Preview) appears to be subordinate to "Use classic layout", yet it has no effect in Classic Layout, at least none that I have been able to determine. That selection is only applicable to the "non-classic" layout.

It's one of several longstanding UI peculiarities about Mail that makes one scratch one's head, and at this point I don't expect any of them to be addressed, ever. The future of macOS Mail is iOS's version of it... which doesn't offer any such choices.

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Answer 2

Jun 18, 2018 10:58 AM in response to gsgcdv

gsgcdv wrote:

I think that for a professional use of email (not for leisure, personal issues ...), having a more compact view with one-line per message and right reading pane makes much more sense.

I believe this describes the "newer" 3-column view pretty well.

I have a hard time understanding your separation between "professional use" and "causal use." Managing the email is done in preferences regardless.

also in >General

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Answer 3

gsgcdv Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 18, 2018 10:05 AM in response to John Galt

This is what I see:

but I would like to see the message list as

while keeping the reading pane on the right.

Unless I am doing something wrong, de-selecting "Use classic layout" and choosing "None" for List Preview gives me two lines per message.

Gonzalo

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Answer 4

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 10:25 AM in response to gsgcdv

Ok thanks. That's what you get, and if you don't like it your only recourse is to suggest a feature enhancement to Apple:

Feedback - Mail - Apple

Although you will not get a reply, Apple reads and considers all Feedback. Personally I think yours is a fine idea, but what I think doesn't matter. Successfully convincing Apple to implement a change is a matter of communicating the benefits it will convey, while adhering to Apple's own Human Interface Guidelines.

You'll have one chance to get it right, so be clear, cogent, detailed and thorough, yet concise. You won't get any credit. Good luck!

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 5:01 AM in response to gsgcdv

Classic Layout places the message body on the bottom, so if you want the reading pane to appear in a column on the right, then de-select "Use classic layout".

In other words a "classic view with reading pane on right side" doesn't exist.

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Answer 6

gsgcdv Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 18, 2018 7:46 AM in response to John Galt

But is it possible to have the "non-classic" view, with a reading pane in a column on the right, using only one line per message on the message list??

This is indeed the question. As far as I know, the "non-classic" view uses at least two lines per message, thus reducing significantly the number of messages one can see on the screen.

Thanks,

G

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Answer 7

gsgcdv Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 18, 2018 8:55 AM in response to John Galt

OK, I understand.

My hope has vanished ... I think that for a professional use of email (not for leisure, personal issues ...), having a more compact view with one-line per message and right reading pane makes much more sense. But it seems that developments are targeted to a more casual use of email.

G

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Answer 8

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 9:47 AM in response to gsgcdv

...but isn't that what you're describing? De-selecting "Use classic layout" and choosing "None" for List Preview gives you exactly that: one line per message and a reading pane on the right.

Otherwise I suppose I just don't understand what you're seeking.

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Answer 9

gsgcdv Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 18, 2018 11:09 AM in response to leroydouglas

I meant "professional use" (i.e. when I spent 8 hours per days answering emails, managing ~100 emails per day) or "casual use" (i.e. when I have four or five emails from friends to answer ...).

Is there any way to have the "3 column view" in Mail without having to use the full-screen mode?

I would like to see emails with the column view (i.e. one line per email) while having the reading pane on the right.

Thunderbird for mac & windows, and Outlook for windows have this view.

G

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Answer 10

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 11:34 AM in response to gsgcdv

FWIW the three column view is identical in windowed mode (not full screen).

At present there is no way to have one and only one line of text in "non-Classic" layout. There will always be a minimum of two lines, containing sender, subject, time/date and Mailbox.

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Answer 11

John Galt

Level 10

154,898 points

Jun 18, 2018 12:49 PM in response to gsgcdv

Yes, but none at all unless you submit feedback.

Apple is obviously focusing on iOS, and their attention to macOS is limited to making it more iOS-like. Watch the WWDC presentations and judge for yourself. I don't intend to dissuade you though.

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