Is it possible to merge inbox and sent folders in Mail

mail.app

I'm considering migrating to OS X and I have a question on configuring its Mail application. In my current setup, I use Thunderbird configured to keep all sent and received messages from all my POP3 accounts in a single inbox folder, so I can follow my conversations in a nice thread, without having to jump from inbox to sent back and forth. I hope I've described it clearly, if not – I am going for something like this:

Sent and Inbox merged

Would I be able to configure Apple Mail like this? I know I can just install Thunderbird for Mac and copy profile, but I would rather stick to default application if it's possible.

Best Answer

The layout is a bit different than in Thunderbird, but you can get threaded conversations by checking "Include related messages" in the Preferences panel: Screenshot of Preferences panel in Mail

The result will be something like this:

Screenshot of a conversation in Mail

By choosing to "Use classic layout" you can get drop-downs for a thread, but it will only show messages from others, not from yourself. Your replies are shown in the preview pane on the bottom, though.

Screenshot of conversation in Mail in classic view

Edit: I just noticed this myself, but you can also click on the double arrows in the not-Classic view to show individual messages from others.

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