Setting your default font in Outlook changes the appearance of all new messages you compose. If you have ever wondered how do i set my font in outlook, you are not alone—this is one of the most common questions for users who want a consistent, professional look in their emails. Whether you prefer a clean sans-serif font like Calibri or a classic serif like Times New Roman, Outlook gives you full control over your default text settings. This guide walks you through every step, from basic font changes to advanced tweaks for signatures and replies.
Outlook’s default font can feel small or plain after a while. You might want a larger size for easier reading, or a bolder style to make your emails stand out. The good news is that changing your font is simple once you know where to look. Below, we cover the exact steps for Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, and even older versions like 2013. We also include tips for Windows and Mac, so no matter your setup, you will find the answer.
Why Change Your Default Font In Outlook
Your email font says a lot about you. A clean, readable font helps your message come across clearly. Many people stick with the default because they do not know how to change it. But once you learn, you can set a font that matches your personal or company brand.
Another reason to adjust your font is accessibility. If you have trouble reading small text, increasing the default size can reduce eye strain. Similarly, choosing a high-contrast font color can make emails easier to read for recipients with vision issues.
Finally, consistency matters. If you send dozens of emails a day, having the same font in every message saves time and looks professional. You do not have to manually format each email—Outlook does it for you.
How Do I Set My Font In Outlook
This section answers the exact question: how do i set my font in outlook. Follow these steps for Outlook on Windows. The process is similar across most versions, but we highlight any differences.
Step-By-Step For Outlook 365 And Outlook 2021
Start by opening Outlook. Click on File in the top-left corner. Then select Options from the menu. A new window opens.
- In the Options window, click on Mail from the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the section labeled Compose messages.
- Click the button that says Stationery and Fonts…
- A new dialog box appears with three font options: New mail messages, Replying or forwarding messages, and Composing and reading plain text messages.
- Click the Font… button next to each section to change the font, style, size, color, and effects.
- Choose your desired font settings. For example, select Arial, size 12, and dark blue color.
- Click OK to confirm each font change.
- Then click OK again to close the Stationery and Fonts window.
- Finally, click OK in the Outlook Options window to save all changes.
That is it. Now every new email you compose will use your chosen font. Note that this setting only applies to messages you write, not emails you receive.
For Outlook 2019 And 2016
The steps are almost identical to the 365 version. Open Outlook, go to File > Options > Mail. Then click Stationery and Fonts. The same three font categories appear. Make your changes and click OK.
One small difference: In older versions, the Stationery and Fonts button might be labeled slightly differently. Look for it under the Compose messages section. If you cannot find it, use the search bar in the Options window and type “font”.
For Outlook 2013
Outlook 2013 works the same way. Go to File > Options > Mail. Click Stationery and Fonts. You will see the same three options. Change each one as needed.
If you use an even older version like Outlook 2010, the steps are similar but the interface looks a bit different. Look for File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. The font dialog is the same.
For Outlook On Mac
Mac users have a slightly different process. Open Outlook on your Mac. Click on Outlook in the top menu bar, then select Preferences. In the Preferences window, click on Fonts. You will see options for New mail messages, Replies and forwards, and Plain text messages. Click each one and choose your font. Close the window to save.
Mac users cannot set different fonts for different email accounts in the same way Windows users can. But you can still change the default for all messages.
Setting Font For Specific Email Accounts
If you have multiple email accounts in Outlook, you might want different fonts for each. For example, a professional font for work and a casual one for personal emails. Here is how to do it.
For Windows
Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. At the top of the dialog box, you will see a dropdown menu labeled Choose font for. Select the email account you want to customize. Then change the fonts for new messages, replies, and plain text. Repeat for each account.
Note that this option is only available if you have multiple accounts set up in Outlook. If you only have one account, the dropdown will not appear.
For Mac
Mac Outlook does not support per-account font settings directly. You can only set one global font for all accounts. However, you can create a signature with a different font for each account. That is a workaround if you need variety.
Changing Font For Replies And Forwards
Many users want a different font when replying to emails. For example, you might use a smaller size for replies to save space. Outlook lets you set a separate font for replies and forwards.
Follow the same steps as above: File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Click the Font… button next to Replying or forwarding messages. Choose your settings and click OK. Now every reply or forward you write will use that font.
This is especially useful if you want to distinguish your original messages from replies. For instance, you could use a bold font for new messages and a regular font for replies.
Setting Font For Plain Text Messages
Plain text emails do not support rich formatting like bold or color. But you can still choose a default font for how they appear when you compose them. This setting is under Composing and reading plain text messages in the Stationery and Fonts dialog.
Note that this font only affects how the text looks on your screen while composing. When the recipient receives a plain text email, they will see it in their own default font, not yours. So this setting is mainly for your own viewing comfort.
Using Signatures With Custom Fonts
Your email signature is a great place to use a different font. You can set a signature font that matches your brand or personal style, separate from your message font.
How To Create A Signature With A Specific Font
Go to File > Options > Mail > Signatures… Click New and name your signature. In the editing box, type your signature text. Then highlight the text and use the formatting toolbar above to change the font, size, color, and style. You can also add links, images, and social media icons.
Once saved, assign this signature to your email account. Go to Choose default signature dropdown and select the signature for new messages and replies. Now your signature will always appear in the font you chose.
Tip: If you want your signature font to match your message font, simply use the same font settings. But you can also mix it up—for example, a serif font for the signature and sans-serif for the body.
Common Font Problems And Fixes
Sometimes changing your font does not work as expected. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
Font Not Changing In New Messages
If you set a new default font but your emails still show the old one, you might have a template or stationery overriding your settings. Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Make sure you clicked Font… for the correct category (new mail messages). Also check if you have a custom theme applied under the Theme button. If so, remove the theme or adjust its font settings.
Font Changes Not Saving
This can happen if Outlook is not closed properly. Make sure you click OK in every dialog box to save changes. If the problem persists, try restarting Outlook. Also, check if your account settings are corrupted—sometimes repairing the Office installation helps.
Font Looks Different In Sent Emails
When you send an email, the recipient may see a different font if they use a different email client. Outlook uses HTML formatting, but some clients like Gmail or Yahoo may override your font with their own defaults. To minimize this, use common web-safe fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid exotic fonts that may not render on other systems.
Font Size Too Small Or Too Large
If your default font size is too small, increase it in the font dialog. But remember that very large fonts may look unprofessional or break the email layout. A size of 11 or 12 points is standard for most business emails. For personal emails, you can go up to 14 points if you prefer larger text.
Advanced Font Settings: Themes And Stationery
Outlook allows you to apply a theme to your emails, which includes fonts, colors, and backgrounds. This is more advanced than just setting a default font, but it can give your emails a cohesive look.
How To Apply A Theme
Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Click the Themes… button. A list of pre-installed themes appears. Select one and click OK. The theme will apply to all new messages. You can also create your own theme by customizing fonts and colors in the theme dialog.
Be careful with themes—they can include background images or colors that may not display well in all email clients. Stick to simple, clean themes for professional communication.
How To Reset Font To Default
If you want to go back to Outlook’s original font settings, it is easy. Open the Stationery and Fonts dialog again. For each font category, click Font… and then click Reset or choose the default font (usually Calibri size 11 for new messages). Click OK to save.
Alternatively, you can delete the font settings from the registry, but that is risky. The safest way is to manually set each category back to the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set my font in Outlook for all new emails?
Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Click Font next to New mail messages, choose your font, and click OK. This applies to all new emails you compose.
Can I set a different font for each email account in Outlook?
Yes, on Windows. In the Stationery and Fonts dialog, select the account from the dropdown at the top before changing fonts. On Mac, you can only set one global font.
Why is my font not changing after I set it?
Check if you have a custom theme or stationery applied. Also make sure you clicked OK in all dialog boxes. Restart Outlook and try again.
How do I change the font size in Outlook for replies?
Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Click Font next to Replying or forwarding messages, then adjust the size. Click OK to save.
Does changing my font affect how recipients see my email?
It can, but not always. If the recipient uses an email client that supports HTML, they will see your font. If they use plain text or a different client, they may see a default font. Use web-safe fonts for best compatibility.
Final Tips For Font Settings In Outlook
Changing your default font is a small tweak that makes a big difference. It saves time, keeps your emails consistent, and can even improve readability. Remember to set fonts for new messages, replies, and plain text separately if you want different styles.
If you share your computer with others, be aware that font settings apply to your user profile only. Other users will not see your changes unless they log into your account.
For best results, stick with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. They render well on most devices and email clients. Avoid using too many colors or fancy effects—simple is usually better for professional emails.
Now you know exactly how do i set my font in outlook. Go ahead and customize your emails to match your style. It takes just a few minutes, and you will notice the difference right away.