How To Permanently Change The Font In Outlook – Outlook Font Settings

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Setting a default font in Outlook requires changing the settings that control new messages and replies. If you are wondering how to permanently change the font in Outlook, this guide will walk you through every step. You don’t need to be a tech expert—just follow these simple instructions, and your emails will always look the way you want.

Outlook uses a default font for all new emails, replies, and forwards. Changing it once might not stick if you don’t know the right settings. But with a few clicks, you can make your preferred font permanent. Let’s get started.

Why Change The Default Font In Outlook?

You might want a different font for readability or branding. Maybe you dislike the default Calibri or Times New Roman. Whatever the reason, setting a permanent font saves you from manually changing it every time you write an email.

Outlook’s default font affects three areas: new messages, replies, and forwards. You need to adjust each one separately. This article covers all versions of Outlook, including Office 365, Outlook 2019, and Outlook for Mac.

How To Permanently Change The Font In Outlook

Follow these steps to set a permanent font in Outlook. The process is similar across most versions, but we’ll note any differences.

Step 1: Open Outlook And Go To File

Launch Outlook on your computer. Click the File tab in the top-left corner. This opens the backstage view where you can access settings.

Step 2: Access Options

In the File menu, click Options at the bottom of the left-hand column. A new window called Outlook Options will appear.

Step 3: Find The Mail Section

In the Outlook Options window, click Mail in the left-hand menu. This section contains settings for composing messages.

Step 4: Click Stationery And Fonts

Scroll down to the “Compose messages” section. You’ll see a button labeled Stationery and Fonts…. Click it. A new window will open with three tabs: Personal Stationery, Theme, and Fonts.

Step 5: Set Fonts For New Messages, Replies, And Forwards

Under the Personal Stationery tab, you’ll see three font buttons:

  • New mail messages – Font for new emails you compose.
  • Replying or forwarding messages – Font for replies and forwarded emails.
  • Composing and reading plain text messages – Font for plain text emails.

Click each button to set your desired font. For each one, choose the font style, size, color, and effects. Click OK after each selection.

Step 6: Apply And Save

After setting all fonts, click OK in the Stationery and Fonts window. Then click OK in the Outlook Options window. Your changes are now saved.

Setting Fonts For Replies And Forwards Separately

Many users forget to change the font for replies and forwards. If you only change new messages, your replies will still use the old font. Make sure to click the “Replying or forwarding messages” button and set it too.

This is a common mistake. Double-check that all three buttons are configured. Otherwise, your font change won’t be permanent across all email types.

How To Change Font In Outlook For Mac

If you use Outlook for Mac, the steps are slightly different. Here’s how to permanently change the font:

  1. Open Outlook for Mac.
  2. Click Outlook in the top menu bar, then select Preferences.
  3. Click Fonts under the “Email” section.
  4. Choose your font for new messages, replies, and forwards.
  5. Close the preferences window. Changes save automatically.

Outlook for Mac does not have a separate stationery option. The font settings are simpler but still effective.

How To Change Font In Outlook Web App (OWA)

Outlook Web App (OWA) also allows font changes. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to your Outlook web account.
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
  4. Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
  5. Under “Message format,” choose your default font from the dropdown.
  6. Click Save.

Note that OWA only lets you set one font for all messages. You cannot separate new messages from replies.

Common Problems And Fixes

Sometimes the font change doesn’t stick. Here are common issues and solutions:

Font Resets After Restart

If your font resets after closing Outlook, you might have a corrupt profile. Try creating a new Outlook profile. Go to Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > Add. Then set up your email account again.

Font Change Not Applied To Replies

As mentioned, you must set fonts for replies separately. Go back to Stationery and Fonts and check the “Replying or forwarding messages” button.

Font Change Only Works In Some Emails

This can happen if you use plain text format. Plain text emails ignore font settings. Switch to HTML format in Outlook Options > Mail > Compose messages in this format > HTML.

Outlook Add-Ins Interfering

Some add-ins override font settings. Disable add-ins temporarily to test. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > Manage COM Add-ins > Uncheck all. Restart Outlook and check if the font sticks.

How To Change Font For Specific Email Accounts

If you have multiple email accounts in Outlook, you can set different fonts for each. Here’s how:

  1. Go to File > Options > Mail.
  2. Click Stationery and Fonts.
  3. Click the Theme tab.
  4. Check the box “Use the following theme for new messages.”
  5. Choose a theme that includes your desired font.
  6. Click OK.

This method applies a theme per account. However, it’s easier to set a global font and then manually adjust for specific accounts if needed.

Using Signatures To Control Font

Another way to enforce a font is through signatures. Create a signature with your preferred font. Then set it to automatically include in new messages and replies. This overrides the default font in some cases.

To create a signature:

  1. Go to File > Options > Mail > Signatures.
  2. Click New and name your signature.
  3. Type your signature text, then highlight it.
  4. Change the font using the formatting toolbar.
  5. Set it as default for new messages and replies.

Note that signatures might not change the font of the entire email body. They only affect the signature block itself.

How To Change Font Size Permanently

Font size is part of the font settings. When you click the font button in Stationery and Fonts, you can choose the size. For readability, 12pt or 14pt is common. Set it for all three categories.

If you want a larger font for reading emails, that’s a different setting. Go to View > View Settings > Other Settings > Column Font. This changes the reading pane font, not the composing font.

How To Change Font Color Permanently

Font color can also be set in the same font dialog. Choose a color that contrasts well with the background. Avoid light colors like yellow or pink. Stick to black, dark blue, or dark gray for professionalism.

Remember that some recipients might see different colors if their email client overrides yours. But for your own composing view, it will stick.

How To Reset Font To Default

If you want to go back to Outlook’s original font, repeat the steps and choose the default font. For most versions, the default is Calibri 11pt. Set it for all three categories.

Alternatively, you can delete your Outlook profile and start fresh. But that’s more drastic than needed.

How To Change Font In Outlook 2010 And Older Versions

Outlook 2010 and older versions have similar steps. Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. The interface might look different, but the logic is the same.

For Outlook 2007, click Tools > Options > Mail Format > Stationery and Fonts. The rest is identical.

How To Change Font In Outlook For Android And IOS

Mobile versions of Outlook have limited font options. You cannot set a permanent default font in the app. However, you can change the font size in the app settings. Go to Settings > Reading > Font size. This only affects how you read emails, not compose them.

For composing, the mobile app uses the system font. You cannot change it permanently.

Tips For Choosing A Font

Here are some tips for selecting a font for Outlook:

  • Use web-safe fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. They display correctly on most devices.
  • Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Script. They look unprofessional.
  • Choose a font size between 10pt and 14pt for readability.
  • Stick to one font for consistency. Mixing fonts can look messy.
  • Test your font by sending a test email to yourself.

How To Change Font In Outlook Using Registry (Advanced)

For advanced users, you can change the font via the Windows Registry. This method is not recommended for beginners. Incorrect changes can break Outlook.

If you want to try, follow these steps:

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  3. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\MailSettings (replace 16.0 with your Outlook version number).
  4. Look for values like “NewMailFont” or “ReplyFont”. If they don’t exist, create them as REG_BINARY.
  5. Set the binary data for your desired font. This is complex and requires research.

Again, use the graphical method instead. It’s safer and easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the default font in Outlook for all emails?

Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Set the font for new messages, replies, and forwards. Click OK to save.

Why does my font keep changing back in Outlook?

You might have only changed the font for new messages, not replies. Also, check if an add-in or theme is overriding your settings. Try disabling add-ins.

Can I set different fonts for different email accounts in Outlook?

Yes, but it’s not straightforward. You can use themes per account or create separate signatures. The global font setting applies to all accounts.

How do I change the font size in Outlook permanently?

Font size is part of the font settings. Follow the same steps and choose your desired size. Set it for all three categories.

Does changing the font in Outlook affect sent emails?

Yes, the font you set will be used when you compose emails. However, recipients might see a different font if their email client overrides it. Most clients respect your font choice.

Final Thoughts

Changing the default font in Outlook is straightforward once you know where to look. The key is to update settings for new messages, replies, and forwards separately. Don’t forget to click OK to save.

If you encounter issues, check your email format (HTML vs plain text) and disable add-ins. For Mac and web versions, the steps are simpler but less flexible.

Now you know how to permanently change the font in Outlook. Apply these steps and enjoy consistent, professional emails every time. No more manual font changes—just write and send.

Remember to test your settings by sending a test email. If it looks right, you’re done. If not, revisit the steps and double-check each category. With a little patience, you’ll have your preferred font set for good.