When we’re navigating through Microsoft Outlook, we sometimes find ourselves in a bit of a pickle—particularly when we’re trying to jazz up our emails with some formatting flair. You’ve drafted your message and now you want to make it stand out; you know that the Format Text tab has all the tools you need, but it feels like you’re playing hide and seek with it.

We’re here to end that game. The Format Text tab is kind of like the control center for making your emails shine in Microsoft Outlook. Whether you’re a Microsoft 365 subscriber getting the most out of your Office package, or you’re sharpening your Outlook skills with one of the many training courses out there, knowing where and how to access the Format Text tab is a skill worth having. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being able to share tips and tricks with fellow Outlook enthusiasts in communities across the web.
So, where does this elusive tab like to hide?
Normally, it’s nestled right at the top when you’re composing an email, ready to give your text that extra oomph with fonts, sizes, and color. But if it’s playing hard to get, don’t fret—we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve. It’s about knowing the right sequence of clicks to summon it to action. Let’s get that tab out of hiding and into the limelight, because let’s face it, nobody likes courier new, and life’s too short for plain text emails.
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Creating and Formatting New Emails in Outlook

When crafting a new email in Outlook, having access to a robust set of formatting tools can make your message stand out. We’ll walk through the essentials of composing messages with rich text options and how to structure content to communicate effectively.
Composing Messages with Rich Text Options
Composing a new message should be a breeze. We simply pop over to the ‘New Email’ button and a fresh canvas awaits us. Now here’s where the magic happens. In the Format Text tab, it’s like our texts get a makeover. We have an array of font styles, sizes, and colors to choose from. Want to emphasize a point? Let’s bold that text. Maybe italicize a quote for a touch of elegance.
Imagine we’ve typed out a stellar paragraph, but the font just doesn’t do it justice. No problem! A quick tap on the Format Text tab, and we can pump up the font size or even change the font altogether. Comic Sans for a light-hearted touch, or perhaps Times New Roman for that classic feel. If we’re feeling adventurous, we could even color code sections of our message.
| Function | Description | Hot Tip |
| Font Style | Choice of typeface | Arial for a clean look |
| Font Size | How big the letters are | Size 12 for easy reading |
| Colors | Text and highlight colors | Use sparingly to highlight key points |
Structuring Content with Styles and Lists
Now, let’s talk structuring. A well-organized email is a joy to read. With styles, we add personality to our headings and subheadings, making them stand out. It’s like giving our email a handsome suit for that extra oomph!
And we can’t forget lists. Bulleted or numbered, they’re our trusty sidekicks for clarity. Say goodbye to walls of text and hello to sweet, digestible points. Check out this nifty trick for lists:
To create a bullet list:
- Select the text you want to make into a list.
- Click the Bullets button in the Paragraph group under the Format Text tab.
- Bask in the glory of your neatly formatted list!
Whether it’s setting up the perfect bullet points to detail our latest project’s successes, or numbering the steps in our groundbreaking new recipe for chocolate chip cookies, when it comes to lists, Outlook’s got our back. Ready to hit send? Not just yet. Take a moment and enjoy the masterpiece we’ve created. Because now, not only does our message say exactly what we intended, it also looks the part.
Managing Outlook Settings and Preferences
Navigating through Outlook’s settings can feel like we’re trying to find a needle in a haystack. But worry not! With a bit of know-how, we’ll have that ribbon dancing to the tune of our preferences in no time.
Customizing the Outlook Interface
In Outlook, the ribbon is king—it’s where all the important features hang out, waiting for us to click them into action. We might find ourselves thinking, “Where did my Format Text tab run off to?” Let’s show it who’s boss. On Windows, we can simply saunter over to the File tab, then click Options → Customize Ribbon. From there, we give a cheeky tick to the Format Text option under Main Tabs. But remember, the steps may vary slightly across different Outlook versions like 2019, 2021, or even 2013 and 2016.
| Outlook Version | Access File Tab | Customize Ribbon |
| Outlook 2019/2021 | Click File on the top left | Options → Customize Ribbon |
| Outlook 2016 | Click File on the top left | Options → Customize Ribbon |
| Outlook 2013 | Click File on the top left | Options → Customize Ribbon |
Adjusting Email Preferences Across Platforms
For those of us spreading our wings across platforms, the Mac flies a little differently from its Windows counterpart. Mac users, fear not, because customization is still on the menu. Outlook for Mac users can customize their experience by heading to the Outlook menu and choosing Preferences. Under Personal Settings, we can tweak to our heart’s content.
- Reading Pane Adjustments
- Email Arrangement Tweaks
- Appearance Customizations
It’s all about tailoring our digital workspace to fit like a glove. Whether it’s shaking up the reading pane or jazzing up the email list, our preferences make the Outlook world go round. Here’s to turning Outlook into our productivity palace!
Effective Communication through Outlook
In Outlook, the key to effective communication lies in crafting well-formatted messages and leveraging the robust features available. Our goal here is to lead you through the nuances of reaching different audiences effectively and how to use Outlook for rich messaging experiences.
Crafting Messages for Different Audiences
When we compose email messages, it’s like tailoring a suit—every stitch counts. We address executives with formal language and a crisp, professional layout. Meanwhile, a chat with our team might be more casual, inviting easy back-and-forth exchanges. Here’s a tip: secure your device before sending sensitive information, it’s like locking the door behind you.
Choosing the right message format is crucial, be it HTML for those snazzy newsletters or Plain Text for an information-dense report. It’s like picking the right shoes for the occasion—they need to fit just right.
Utilizing Outlook Features for Enhanced Messaging
Let’s talk shop. Outlook’s Format Text tab? It’s the Swiss Army knife in our digital tool belt. When you want to highlight a point, make it bold. Want a list to stand out? Bullet it. The Format Text tab allows us to change our message formats easily, from HTML format, enriching our emails with imagery, to Plain Text for simplicity.
| Feature | Use Case | Benefits |
| Attachments | Share documents | Convenient, instant access to pertinent files |
| Reply/Forward | Continue conversations | Maintains the flow of communication |
| Voting Buttons | Gather opinions | Quick decision making |
It’s the small details that spin the wheel of clarity—knowing when and how to use these features can transform your communication from good to great. It’s all about making sure your recipient gets the message, not just in words but in style too.