How can I see gmail folders (IMAP) and keep files locally (POP3)?
Is it possible to have labels in gmail copied to thunderbird AND store files locally. One wants IMAP and the other POP3 I should have explained that I am installing Thunderbird for the first time so I have hundreds of messages on the server that I want to store in Thunderbird. I have been using Outlook previously and I cannot import emails from the .pst file. If I set up the account as IMAP then it imports all the messages and folders but then they won't be saved locally to work offline with. If I set the account up as POP3, then I don't get the folders and everything is in my Inbox. I want to be able to get my messages delivered to the correct folder to be held locally.
Modified by annie57
Chosen solution
annie57 said
NOT SOLVED
Perhaps you problem is you are asking for the impossible.
POP mail stores mail locally without reference to the server, it also only downloads the inbox.
IMAP mail as you have observer synchronizes everything to the server including folders. In normal circumstances a local copy is made of mail in IMAP accounts, but it is more of a cache to improve speed than it is a "local copy" and it is subject to deletion when you have connectivity errors.
However perhaps if you explained what you needed local copies for it would help folks assist you. Thunderbird has an offline mode that does not attempt to synchronize or get mail at all. So it is offline mode. But as I have no idea what your needs are I really am poking around in the dark looking for the light switch.
Be assured. IMAP and POP are universal protocols and operate the same way in all mail clients. so you are not asking about some "Thunderbird" feature. You are asking about something as set in concrete in mail applications as the Oakland Bay Bridge is set in San Francisco bay.
Read this answer in context 👍 1All Replies (4)
You can copy or move messages to the Local Folders account in Thunderbird.
Moving (as opposed to copying) will delete them from the server
NOT SOLVED
Modified by annie57
Chosen Solution
annie57 said
NOT SOLVED
Perhaps you problem is you are asking for the impossible.
POP mail stores mail locally without reference to the server, it also only downloads the inbox.
IMAP mail as you have observer synchronizes everything to the server including folders. In normal circumstances a local copy is made of mail in IMAP accounts, but it is more of a cache to improve speed than it is a "local copy" and it is subject to deletion when you have connectivity errors.
However perhaps if you explained what you needed local copies for it would help folks assist you. Thunderbird has an offline mode that does not attempt to synchronize or get mail at all. So it is offline mode. But as I have no idea what your needs are I really am poking around in the dark looking for the light switch.
Be assured. IMAP and POP are universal protocols and operate the same way in all mail clients. so you are not asking about some "Thunderbird" feature. You are asking about something as set in concrete in mail applications as the Oakland Bay Bridge is set in San Francisco bay.
Thank you for your explanations, I have been experimenting and think I know what is happening now.