Modifying the font in the Outlook app on mobile devices is done through the settings menu, but on desktop, the process involves a few more steps. If you’re looking for a clear guide on how to change font in outlook 365, you’ve come to the right place. This article will walk you through every method, from adjusting the default font for new emails to changing the font size in the reading pane. We’ll cover the desktop app, the web version, and even the mobile app, so you can customize your experience no matter where you work.
Why Change The Default Font In Outlook 365?
Changing the default font can make your emails easier to read and more professional. Maybe you prefer a cleaner look like Calibri or a more traditional font like Times New Roman. Whatever your reason, adjusting the font settings in Outlook 365 is straightforward once you know where to look. The default font in Outlook 365 is usually Calibri at size 11, but you can switch it to anything you like.
Many users also want to change the font size for better accessibility. If you have vision issues or just prefer larger text, you can increase the default font size for all new messages. This saves you from manually adjusting the font every time you compose an email. Let’s dive into the steps for the desktop version first.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 (Desktop App)
The desktop version of Outlook 365 gives you the most control over font settings. You can change the default font for new messages, replies, and forwards. You can also adjust the font used in the reading pane and the message list. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Go To File
Launch the Outlook desktop app on your computer. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner of the window. This opens the backstage view where you can access account settings and options.
Step 2: Access Options
In the File menu, look for Options near the bottom of the list. Click on it. A new window called Outlook Options will pop up. This is where all the customization settings live.
Step 3: Navigate To Mail Settings
In the Outlook Options window, click on Mail from the left sidebar. Scroll down until you see a section called Compose messages. There, you’ll find a button labeled Stationery and Fonts… Click it.
Step 4: Change The Font For New Messages
A new window titled Signatures and Stationery will appear. Click on the Personal Stationery tab. Under the New mail messages section, click the Font… button. A standard font dialog box will open. Here, you can choose the font style, size, color, and effects. Select your prefered font, like Arial or Verdana, and set the size to 12 or 14 if you want larger text. Click OK to save.
Step 5: Change Font For Replies And Forwards
In the same Personal Stationery tab, you’ll see a section for Replying or forwarding messages. Click the Font… button there as well. This lets you set a different font for replies and forwards if you want. Many people keep it the same as the new mail font. Click OK after making your choices.
Step 6: Apply And Close
Click OK on the Signatures and Stationery window, then click OK on the Outlook Options window. Your changes are now saved. The next time you compose a new email, it will use the font you selected. For existing emails, the font won’t change, but all new messages will reflect your settings.
One common mistake is forgetting to click OK on both windows. If you close the window without saving, your changes won’t apply. Double-check that you’ve clicked OK on each dialog box.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 Web Version
The web version of Outlook 365, also called Outlook on the web, has a different interface. You can still change the default font, but the steps are slightly different. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Log Into Outlook On The Web
Open your web browser and go to outlook.office.com. Sign in with your work or school account. Once you’re in, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the Settings menu.
Step 2: View All Outlook Settings
At the bottom of the Settings pane, click View all Outlook settings. This opens a full settings page with more options.
Step 3: Go To Mail And Compose And Reply
In the settings page, click on Mail from the left sidebar. Then click on Compose and reply. This section controls the default font for new messages.
Step 4: Change The Default Font
Under the Message format section, you’ll see a dropdown for Font. Click it and choose your prefered font. You can also set the default font size using the Size dropdown. There’s an option to change the font color too, but most people stick with black. Once you’ve made your selection, click Save at the top of the page.
Note that the web version doesn’t allow you to set different fonts for replies and forwards separately. The same font applies to all new messages, replies, and forwards. If you need more control, use the desktop app instead.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 Mobile App
As mentioned in the opening, modifying the font in the Outlook app on mobile devices is done through the settings menu. The mobile app has limited font options compared to the desktop version. You can only change the font size for reading messages, not the font style itself. Here’s how.
Step 1: Open The Outlook App
Launch the Outlook app on your iPhone or Android device. Tap on your profile picture or the menu icon in the top-left corner to open the sidebar.
Step 2: Go To Settings
At the bottom of the sidebar, tap the Settings gear icon. This opens the settings menu for the app.
Step 3: Adjust Font Size
Scroll down to the Mail section. Tap on Font size. You’ll see options like Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Choose the size that works best for you. The change applies immediately to the reading pane and message list.
Unfortunately, the mobile app does not allow you to change the font style (like switching from Calibri to Arial). The font is determined by the email client and the sender’s settings. If you want to change the font in emails you compose on mobile, you’ll need to use the desktop or web version first.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Specific Emails
Sometimes you don’t want to change the default font for all emails. You might want to use a different font for a single message. Here’s how to do that.
Step 1: Compose A New Email
Click New Email in the desktop app or web version. The email composition window will open.
Step 2: Select The Text
Type your message or highlight the text you want to change. If you haven’t typed anything yet, you can set the font before you start writing.
Step 3: Use The Formatting Toolbar
In the formatting toolbar at the top of the composition window, look for the font dropdown (it usually shows the current font name, like Calibri). Click it and select a new font. You can also change the size using the size dropdown next to it. This change only applies to the selected text or the current message.
If you want to set a default font for all future messages, use the steps in the desktop section above. Changing the font in a single email does not affect your default settings.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For The Reading Pane
The reading pane is where you read incoming emails. Changing the font here can make messages easier to read, especially if you get a lot of emails with small text. However, Outlook uses the font set by the sender for the reading pane. You can only adjust the zoom level or the font size for the reading pane in some versions.
Step 1: Adjust Zoom Level
In the desktop app, go to the View tab. Look for the Zoom button. Click it and set a zoom level like 125% or 150%. This makes all text in the reading pane larger without changing the actual font.
Step 2: Use Windows Accessibility Settings
If you need larger text system-wide, you can adjust the display settings in Windows. Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Display and increase the text size. This will affect all apps, including Outlook.
For the web version, you can zoom in using your browser’s zoom controls (Ctrl + Plus or Ctrl + Minus). This is a quick fix for reading small text.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For The Message List
The message list shows the subject lines and sender names of your emails. Changing the font here can help you scan your inbox faster. In the desktop app, you can adjust the font size for the message list.
Step 1: Go To View Settings
Click on the View tab in the desktop app. Then click View Settings (or Change View in some versions).
Step 2: Change Font Size
In the Advanced View Settings window, click Other Settings. Under the Column font or Row font section, click Font. Choose a larger size, like 12 or 14. Click OK to save.
This change only affects the message list, not the reading pane or email composition. It’s a good way to make your inbox easier to navigate.
Troubleshooting Common Font Issues In Outlook 365
Sometimes changing the font doesn’t work as expected. Here are a few common problems and solutions.
- Font change not applying: Make sure you clicked OK on all dialog boxes. Also, check if you’re using the desktop app or web version, as settings don’t sync between them.
- Font reverts to default: This can happen if you have an add-in or template overriding your settings. Try disabling add-ins temporarily.
- Font size too small in reading pane: Use the zoom feature in the View tab or your browser. You can’t change the actual font in incoming emails.
- Mobile app font not changing: The mobile app only allows font size changes, not font style. Use the desktop app for full control.
If you’re still having issues, try restarting Outlook or your computer. Sometimes a simple reboot fixes glitches.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Signatures
Your email signature can also use a custom font. Here’s how to set it up.
Step 1: Open Signature Settings
In the desktop app, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Click the E-mail Signature tab.
Step 2: Create Or Edit A Signature
Select an existing signature or create a new one. In the editing box, highlight the text you want to change. Use the formatting toolbar above the box to change the font, size, and color. You can also add bold or italic.
Step 3: Save And Apply
Click Save and then OK. Your signature will now use the font you selected. Note that the signature font is separate from the default message font.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Calendar Items
Calendar appointments and meeting requests also use a default font. You can change it the same way as email fonts.
Step 1: Go To Font Settings
In the desktop app, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. In the Personal Stationery tab, look for the Composing and reading plain text messages section.
Step 2: Change Calendar Font
Click the Font button under When composing in HTML format. This affects calendar items too. Set your prefered font and size. Click OK.
This change applies to all calendar items you create. It’s a good idea to use a clean, readable font for appointments.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Tasks
Tasks in Outlook also have a default font. To change it, follow the same steps as for calendar items. The font settings for composing messages apply to tasks as well. If you want a different font for tasks, you’ll need to manually change it each time.
Unfortunately, there’s no separate setting for tasks. The best workaround is to set a default font that works for both emails and tasks.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Contacts
Contact items use the same font settings as emails. If you change the default font for new messages, it will also apply to contacts. There’s no separate font setting for contacts in Outlook 365.
If you need a different font for contacts, you can change it manually when editing a contact. Highlight the text and use the formatting toolbar.
How To Change Font In Outlook 365 For Notes
Notes in Outlook use a default font that you can change. Go to File > Options > Notes and Journal. Under the Notes section, click Font. Choose your prefered font and size. Click OK.
This change applies to all new notes. Existing notes will keep their original font.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Change The Font In Outlook 365 For All Emails At Once?
Yes, you can change the default font for new messages, replies, and forwards. Follow the steps in the desktop section to set a global font.
Why Doesn’t My Font Change Apply To Replies?
You need to set the font separately for replies and forwards. In the Stationery and Fonts window, click the Font button under “Replying or forwarding messages.”
How Do I Reset The Font To Default In Outlook 365?
Go back to the font settings and choose the original font (usually Calibri, size 11). Click OK to save. You can also use the “Reset” button in some versions.
Can I Change The Font In Outlook 365 Without Using The Desktop App?
Yes, you can change the default font in the web version. Go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Compose and reply. The mobile app only allows font size changes.
Does Changing The Font In Outlook 365 Affect Sent Emails?
No, it only affects new emails you compose after the change. Emails you’ve already sent will keep their original font.
Final Tips For Managing Fonts In Outlook 365
Changing the font in Outlook 365 is a simple way to personalize your email experience. Start with the default font for new messages, then adjust the reading pane and message list if needed. Remember that the desktop app gives you the most options, while the web and mobile versions are more limited.
If you share a computer with others, your font settings won’t affect their Outlook. Each user has their own profile with separate settings. Also, keep in mind that some fonts may not display correctly on all devices. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman for best compatibility.
Finally, test your changes by sending a test email to yourself. This way, you can see how the font looks in the recipient’s inbox. If it looks good, you’re all set. If not, go back and adjust the settings until you’re happy.
We hope this guide on how to change font in outlook 365 has been helpful. With these steps, you can customize your Outlook to match your preferences and improve your productivity. Happy emailing!