Adding a smiley or a custom symbol to your email message is as simple as pressing a key combination in Outlook. If you’ve ever wondered how to do emojis in outlook, you’re not alone—many users find the built-in options hidden or confusing. This guide covers every method, from keyboard shortcuts to the emoji picker, so you can express yourself clearly in every email.
Emojis make your messages more friendly and engaging. They help convey tone, especially in professional settings where text alone can feel flat. Whether you’re using Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
How To Do Emojis In Outlook
Let’s start with the most direct method. In Outlook for Windows, press the Windows key + period (.) or Windows key + semicolon (;). This opens the emoji picker panel. From there, you can browse categories like smileys, animals, food, and objects. Click any emoji to insert it into your email body or subject line.
On a Mac, use Control + Command + Space to bring up the Character Viewer. This tool includes emojis, symbols, and special characters. Double-click an emoji to add it to your message. Both methods work in Outlook’s desktop app and the web version.
For quick access, you can also type common emoji codes. For example, typing 🙂 automatically converts to a smiley face if autocorrect is enabled. Outlook’s built-in autocorrect list includes many such shortcuts, but you can customize it too.
Using The Emoji Picker In Outlook Web
Outlook on the web (Outlook.com or Office 365) has a slightly different interface. Click the smiley face icon in the formatting toolbar at the bottom of the compose window. This opens a panel with emojis, GIFs, and stickers. You can search by keyword, like “happy” or “thumbs up,” to find what you need quickly.
If you don’t see the smiley icon, make sure you’re in the full compose view. Sometimes the toolbar collapses on smaller screens. Look for three dots (More options) to expand it. The emoji picker works the same way across most browsers.
Keyboard Shortcuts For Common Emojis
Memorizing a few shortcuts saves time. Here are the most useful ones in Outlook:
- 🙂 or 🙂 → 😊 Smiley face
- 🙁 or 🙁 → ☹️ Frowning face
- 😉 or 😉 → 😉 Winking face
- 😀 or 😀 → 😄 Grinning face
- :O or :-O → 😮 Surprised face
- 😛 or 😛 → 😛 Tongue out
- :'( → 😢 Crying face
- <3 → ❤️ Heart
These shortcuts work when autocorrect is on. If they don’t convert, go to File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect and check the box for “Replace text as you type.” You can also add your own shortcuts there.
Inserting Emojis Via The Ribbon Menu
Another way to add emojis is through the ribbon. In the desktop app, click Insert > Symbol. A dropdown appears with “More Symbols.” Choose the Symbols tab and set the font to “Segoe UI Emoji” or “Segoe UI Symbol.” Scroll through the grid to find emojis. This method is slower but gives you access to hundreds of symbols, including arrows, currency signs, and math operators.
For emojis specifically, the emoji picker is faster. But the Symbol menu is useful for inserting obscure characters that aren’t in the picker, like copyright symbols or fractions.
Using Emojis In Outlook Subject Lines
Subject lines with emojis can boost open rates. However, not all email clients display them correctly. Test your subject line by sending a test email to yourself. If the emoji shows as a square or blank, consider using a different one or removing it. Outlook supports most modern emojis, but older versions may not.
To add an emoji to a subject line, simply insert it using any method above while the cursor is in the subject field. The emoji picker works there too. Avoid overusing emojis in subject lines—one or two is enough to catch attention without looking unprofessional.
Customizing Your Emoji Shortcuts
You can create your own autocorrect entries for emojis you use often. Go to File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect > Autocorrect Options. In the “Replace” box, type a shortcut like “thumbs” and in the “With” box, paste the emoji (copy it from the picker). Click Add. Now whenever you type “thumbs” followed by a space, it becomes 👍.
This is great for business terms. For example, set “conf” to insert ✅ for confirmed, or “urg” for ⚠️. Just be careful not to overwrite common words.
Emojis On Outlook For Mac
Mac users have a dedicated emoji viewer. Press Control + Command + Space at the same time. A small window pops up with categories. You can also search by typing a word. Double-click any emoji to insert it. This works in the email body, subject line, and even in calendar events or tasks.
If the viewer doesn’t appear, check your keyboard settings. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources and ensure “Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar” is checked. Then you can access it from the menu bar icon.
Emojis In Outlook Mobile App
On iOS or Android, the emoji keyboard is built into your phone’s keyboard. Tap the smiley icon on your keyboard while composing an email in the Outlook app. You’ll see all your phone’s emojis. This method is identical to texting or using other apps.
One tip: some emojis appear differently on different devices. A thumbs up might look like a real hand on iPhone but a cartoon on Android. Stick to universal emojis for professional emails.
Troubleshooting Emoji Display Issues
If an emoji shows as a box or question mark, the recipient’s device may not support it. This is rare with modern emojis but can happen with newer ones. To avoid this, use common emojis like smileys, hearts, and thumbs up. You can also check your Outlook version—updating to the latest version often fixes display bugs.
Another issue: if you paste an emoji from a website, it might not render correctly. Always insert emojis directly from the picker or keyboard. Also, ensure your font supports emojis. Segoe UI Emoji is the standard for Outlook on Windows.
Using Emojis In Outlook Signatures
Adding an emoji to your email signature can make it more personal. However, signatures are often copied into replies, so the emoji might appear multiple times. Use it sparingly. To add one, open your signature settings (File > Options > Mail > Signatures), place the cursor where you want the emoji, and insert it using the picker. Save and test.
Be mindful of professional context. A smiley in a signature might be fine for internal emails but not for external clients. When in doubt, skip it.
Emojis In Outlook Calendar And Tasks
You can also use emojis in calendar event titles and task names. This helps visually categorize items. For example, add 🎂 for birthdays or 📋 for meetings. Insert them the same way as in emails. Just remember that calendar invites are sent to others, so the emoji must render on their end too.
In tasks, emojis can mark priority. Use 🔴 for high priority, 🟡 for medium, and 🟢 for low. This works well if you share task lists with colleagues.
Accessibility Considerations
Screen readers interpret emojis as text descriptions. For example, 😊 is read as “smiling face with smiling eyes.” This can be helpful or distracting. If you’re emailing someone who uses a screen reader, use emojis sparingly and avoid placing them in critical information. Also, avoid using emojis as bullet points—they might not be read in order.
Outlook’s accessibility checker can flag potential issues. Go to Review > Check Accessibility before sending. It won’t block emojis, but it will warn you if they might cause confusion.
Emoji Etiquette In Business Emails
Emojis are common in casual communication, but in business, they can be misinterpreted. Use them only when you’re sure the recipient will understand your tone. A smiley can soften a request, but a laughing emoji might seem dismissive. When in doubt, stick to text.
In internal team emails, emojis are generally fine. For external clients, especially in formal industries like law or finance, avoid them. Always consider your audience and company culture.
Advanced: Using Unicode Emojis Directly
If you know the Unicode code for an emoji, you can type it directly. For example, U+1F600 is 😀. In Outlook, type the code (like 1F600) and then press Alt + X. The code converts to the emoji. This works only in the desktop app and requires the font to support it. It’s faster for power users who remember codes.
Common codes include:
- 1F60A 😊 Smiling face with smiling eyes
- 1F44D 👍 Thumbs up
- 2764 ❤️ Red heart
- 1F4AC 💬 Speech balloon
You can find full lists online. This method is less intuitive but works when the emoji picker is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add emojis in Outlook on Windows 10?
Press the Windows key + period (.) or semicolon (;) to open the emoji picker. Then click the emoji you want. This works in all Outlook versions on Windows 10 and 11.
Why are my emojis not showing up in Outlook?
This usually happens if the recipient’s email client doesn’t support the emoji, or if your font is set to one without emoji support. Switch to Segoe UI Emoji or update Outlook to the latest version.
Can I use emojis in Outlook subject lines?
Yes, you can insert emojis in subject lines using the same methods as in the email body. However, test them first, as some email clients may not display them correctly.
How do I make a custom emoji shortcut in Outlook?
Go to File > Options > Mail > Spelling and Autocorrect > Autocorrect Options. In the Replace box, type your shortcut. In the With box, paste the emoji. Click Add, then OK.
Is there a way to insert emojis without a keyboard?
Yes, use the Insert > Symbol menu in the desktop app, or click the smiley icon in the web version’s toolbar. You can also copy and paste emojis from websites.
Now you have multiple ways to add emojis to your Outlook emails. Start with the keyboard shortcut for speed, or use the picker for variety. With practice, you’ll be adding emojis naturally, making your messages clearer and more personable. Remember to keep your audience in mind and test important emails before sending. Emojis are a tool—use them wisely to enhance communication, not replace it.