This article explains how to set the default message format in Outlook. Instructions apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.
What to Know
- To set the message format, go to File > Options > Mail > Compose messages in this format > select format > OK.You have three message formats to choose from in Outlook: Plain text, HTML, and Rich Text Format.
How to Set the Default Message Format in Outlook
HTML is the default message format in Outlook. While plain text format works for all email programs, it doesn’t support text formatting. Rich Text Format (RTF) is only supported by Microsoft Exchange Client versions 4.0 and 5.0 and Outlook.
To configure the default format for new emails in Outlook:
- Go to File > Options.
- In the Outlook Options dialog box, select Mail.
- Select the Compose messages in this format drop-down arrow and choose the format you want to use as the default for new emails.
- Select OK.
Go to File > Options.
In the Outlook Options dialog box, select Mail.
Select the Compose messages in this format drop-down arrow and choose the format you want to use as the default for new emails.
Select OK.
You can set up Outlook to always use plain text or rich text for individual recipients regardless of the default message format you specify.
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