Using Outlook 365 but tired of receiving plain text emails? We’ve been there and it can be frustrating when you’re expecting a well-formatted HTML message but get a plain, boring block of text instead. Converting these plain text emails into HTML format is easier than you might think.
Whether you’re using Outlook 2019 on Windows, Outlook for Mac, or even the web version, the settings are quite straightforward. Start by opening the email you received. Navigate to the toolbar and select “Actions,” then click “Edit Message.” Now, go to the “Format Text” tab and change the format to HTML.
We all want our emails to look neat and professional, and changing the format of your received emails from plain text to HTML ensures they’re just that. This small adjustment can make a big difference in streamlining your email experience.
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Introduction
Are you tired of receiving emails in plain text format when you expected rich HTML? We’ve all been there. When it happens, especially in Microsoft Outlook 365, it can be a real pain. Nobody wants to miss out on nicely formatted emails, including meeting requests and fancy newsletters.
Switching from plain text to HTML can make a huge difference. Email formatting is crucial for organizations like Microsoft Exchange, where emails need to look professional.
Let’s say you are waiting for an important email, and it arrives in plain text. So frustrating, right? The recipient might miss out on essential details like images or hyperlinks.
Quick Benefits of HTML Email:
Visual Appeal: Emails look more attractive.
Interactive Elements: Incorporate links, images, and buttons.
Let’s dive into how we can help you convert those dull plain text emails into visually appealing HTML format. Whether you’re a user handling multiple accounts or an admin managing settings for other users, this guide is here to make your life easier. So, buckle up and get ready to bring some color into your inbox!
Setting Up HTML As The Default Email Format
Switching our email to HTML is easy in Outlook 365.
First, we need to open Outlook. Then, click on the File tab at the top left.
Under Mail, look for the Compose messages section.
Here, we can see Compose messages in this format. Click the dropdown and select HTML. This sets HTML as the default for all new emails.
Compose messages | HTML | Rich Text Format |
Select HTML |
To ensure all incoming mail is in HTML, go back to the Mail section and look for Message format.
Uncheck the box that says Read all standard mail in plain text.
This way, all incoming emails will display in HTML if they were sent that way.
Following these steps, we can easily manage our default email format and ensure better readability and formatting for our emails.
Advantages Of Using HTML Format
Using HTML format for emails in Outlook 365 has many benefits. It can make our emails look more attractive and professional. We can use bold and italic text to highlight important points. Adding different colors and fonts can also make our messages stand out.
One big plus of HTML emails is the ability to include images and pictures. Photos and graphics can be a great way to engage our readers. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, right? 😊
We can also create tables in our emails. Tables are an excellent way to organize information clearly. Here’s a simple example:
Name | Position | Contact |
John Doe | Manager | [email protected] |
Jane Smith | Assistant | [email protected] |
HTML emails also allow us to include links. Links are handy for directing our readers to websites or additional resources. We can use numbered lists to present steps or items in order. Numbered lists are great for clarity and organization.
Attachments can be added more intuitively. In just a few clicks, we can attach documents, spreadsheets, or other files, making our emails more functional.
If we think about traditional documents like reports or flyers, HTML emails can mimic their format. This is useful when we have to send visually appealing content.
All in all, HTML format gives us more control and flexibility. Our emails can be visually appealing and highly functional, unlike plain text emails. Isn’t that just awesome?
Step-By-Step Guide To Changing Email Format
Let’s break down how to change the format of received emails in Outlook 365 from plain text to HTML. It’s easier than you might think!
Want to change a single email from plain text to HTML while replying or forwarding? No problem! Follow these easy steps:
Steps | Description | Example |
Open Email | Find the plain text email you want to change. | “Click your received message.” |
Pop Out | Click the Pop Out option in the top right corner. | “Hit the Pop Out on the top.” |
Format Text Tab | Go to the Format Text tab on the ribbon. | “Navigate to Format Text.” |
Select HTML | Click on HTML to switch formats. | “Choose HTML.” |
Now, you’re ready to compose your email with rich formatting tools like bold text, colors, and tables. This makes your email look professional and engaging. If you receive plain text emails often and prefer HTML, this guide should help you quickly switch formats and enhance your email communication in Outlook 365!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, switching received email from plain text to HTML in Outlook 365 can feel like trying to catch a catfish in a muddy pond. Here are some steps to get things swimming smoothly again:
First, let’s check file options. Go to File > Options > Mail > Compose messages. Ensure the format is set to HTML.
Next, if emails still display as plain text, the reading pane might be the culprit. Enter a message, click “Pop Out”, and then Format Text > HTML. If it’s switching back to plain text, we might have some conversion issues going on.
Some emails, especially encrypted messages, automatically revert to plain text for security reasons. It feels like trying to read a secret code, right? We need to adjust settings in the Trust Center under File > Options > Trust Center Settings > Email Security.
Another tweak we can make is changing the “Read all standard mail in plain text” option:
Uncheck the box “Read all standard mail in plain text”.
Sometimes messages saved with legacy formats can be a pain. If the original sender used an outdated format, it may not display properly in HTML. Reaching out to them might help solve the issue.
Lastly, hit refresh or restart Outlook. This simple action can sometimes make a world of difference.
Following these steps, we can conquer those pesky plain text emails like pros. If problems persist, contacting Outlook support might be the final fishing rod needed to reel in the solution.