Changing the default font in Outlook can significantly improve readability and personalize your email experience. Whether you're tired of the standard font or want better accessibility, this guide will walk you through the process for different versions of Outlook. We'll cover the steps for both the desktop application and Outlook on the web.
Changing the Default Font in Outlook Desktop (Windows)
This section focuses on altering the default font for composing new emails in the Outlook desktop application for Windows. The steps may vary slightly depending on your Outlook version (Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook 365 etc.), but the general process remains consistent.
Step 1: Accessing Outlook Options
Open your Outlook application. Click on File in the top left corner. Then, select Options at the bottom of the menu.
Step 2: Navigating to Mail Settings
In the Outlook Options window, navigate to the Mail section in the left-hand pane.
Step 3: Choosing Your Preferred Font
Locate the Compose messages section. You'll see options for New mail messages and Reply/forward messages. You can customize the font for both separately if desired. Click on the Stationery and Fonts... button.
Step 4: Selecting the Font and Size
A new window will pop up titled "Stationery and Fonts". Under the "Personal Stationery" tab, you'll find options for "Font". Use the dropdown menu to select your desired font from the list. You can also choose the font size using the adjacent dropdown.
Step 5: Saving Your Changes
Once you've selected your preferred font and size, click OK on both the "Stationery and Fonts" window and the "Outlook Options" window to save your changes. Now, all new emails you compose will use your chosen default font.
Changing the Default Font in Outlook on the Web
The process for changing the default font in Outlook on the web is slightly different, as it relies on browser settings rather than application-specific options. While you can't change the default font provided by Outlook on the web in the same way as the desktop application, you can change the font for individual emails.
Step 1: Compose a New Email
Start composing a new email in Outlook on the web.
Step 2: Utilize Browser Formatting Tools
Most web browsers offer built-in tools to change fonts. Usually, there's a formatting bar that appears when you're composing the email. Look for a font dropdown menu; this allows you to select your preferred font for that specific email. This will not change the default font for all future emails in Outlook on the web.
Note: The exact location of this formatting bar will vary depending on your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari etc.).
Troubleshooting Font Changes
If you're encountering issues after following these steps, try the following:
- Restart Outlook: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
- Check for Updates: Ensure your Outlook application is up-to-date.
- Examine Email Templates: If you use email templates, the font in the template might override your default settings.
By following these instructions, you can effectively customize your Outlook email experience and improve readability with your preferred font. Remember that while the web version offers limited customization, the desktop application provides much greater control over your default font settings.
