Formatting Message Text

You can specify a file format for message text. The Plain Text format is one that all e-mail programs recognize, but it doesn't support text formatting. The Rich Text and HTML formats allow text formatting, but are not always supported. However, most programs that don't recognize Rich Text or HTML, convert the message to plain text. When you use Rich Text or HTML, you can use tools, such as bold, italicize, and underline text, on the Formatting toolbar to help draw the reader's attention to key words and emphasize the meaning of your message. With Word as the Outlook e-mail editor, you can take advantage of Word's formatting features when you write the text of your e-mail messages.

Format the Message Text

Open the message you want to format.

Click the Message Format list arrow, and then select Rich Text, HTML, or Plain Text.

Select the text you want to format.

If you selected Rich Text or HTML, use the tools on the Formatting toolbar to format the message text.

• The Font list arrow.

• The Font Size list arrow.

• The Bold, Italics, or Underline buttons .

• The Font Color list arrow.

• The Align Left, Center, or Align Right buttons.

• The Numbering or Bullets button.

Did You Know?

You can specify the file format for all messages . Click the Tools menu, click Options, click the Mail Format tab, click the Compose Text In This Format list arrow, and then select HTML, Rich Text, or Plain Text.