Are you trying to add a little something more to your emails or match them to the identity of your brand? We’ll walk you through quickly changing Outlook’s default font, size, and color to fit your style preferences.
Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client, offering users a range of features to manage their emails, calendars, and tasks efficiently. One of the ways to personalize your experience in Outlook is by changing the default font.
This allows you to customize the appearance of your emails, making them look more professional or aligned with your personal style.
Just as your clothing defines your style, the default font in Outlook defines the visual identity of your emails. By changing Outlook’s default typeface, you can create emails that truly reflect your personality. Personalize them to make them stand out in a sea of incoming messages.
However, be cautious of potential pitfalls. Changing the font could impact the accessibility and readability of your emails, and some fonts might come across as unprofessional.
This tutorial will teach you how to change the default font in Outlook on any platform—PC, Mac, or online app. We’ll also provide you with some pointers on how to make your Outlook emails appear modern, polished, and inclusive.
For more tips and best practices on managing your email and enhancing your digital communication, check out the Resources at ARZ Host.
The emails you write in Outlook are first prepared with a preset font choice chosen by Microsoft.
Calibri, a sans-serif font favoured for its contemporary lines and readability on computer displays, was the default font for a long time.
The standard setting for the size and color of all Office 365 productivity products, such as Word and Outlook, was 11 points and black.
However, following the testing of five alternatives and the gathering of user input, Microsoft decided to redesign its apps. Additionally, Bill Gates’ company introduced the new default font for Outlook in 2021.
Bierstadt was the original name of the font. However, it has since adopted the name Aptos. Its default size when used is 12 points. And black continues to be the default color.
The purpose of this modification was to bring the Microsoft 365 user experience up to date. However, you can alter the default typeface connected with your Outlook account if you have fond memories of Outlook’s previous font or if you would want to use a different font.
The default size for Calibri in Outlook is typically set at 11 points, striking a balance between readability and the amount of content that can fit on the screen. While Calibri remains the default, Outlook provides users with the flexibility to customize their email’s appearance, allowing them to change the font, size, and color according to their preferences.
It’s also important to note that the default font might vary depending on the version of Outlook you are using or if the application has been modified by an organization’s IT department.
However, for the vast majority of users, Calibri in 11-point size is what they will see when composing a new email or reading received messages, providing a consistent and professional look that aligns with modern design standards.
Changing the default font in Outlook can enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of your emails.
Here’s a detailed explanation of why you might want to change the default font in Outlook:
For businesses, maintaining brand consistency across all forms of communication is crucial. By changing the default font in Outlook to one that aligns with your brand’s style guide, you ensure that every email sent from your organization reflects your brand’s identity.
This helps in creating a cohesive and professional image, whether communicating with clients, partners, or internally
Changing the default font allows you to add a personal touch to your emails. If you’re an individual who frequently communicates via email, selecting a font that resonates with your personality or professional style can make your emails stand out.
This personalization can help in building stronger connections with your recipients, making your emails feel more unique and thoughtful.
The default font in Outlook may not be the most readable for everyone, especially if you frequently work with people who have specific visual preferences or impairments.
Changing the default font to one that is easier to read can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and make your emails more accessible. For example, fonts with larger, clearer characters or higher contrast can be easier on the eyes, especially for recipients with vision challenges.
To learn more about how making your content more accessible can benefit your audience and enhance your digital presence, check out our article Why Accessibility Is Essential for Websites.
The default font settings in Outlook might not always convey the level of professionalism required for certain communications. By choosing a more formal or appropriate font, you can tailor your emails to fit the context.
For example, using a serif font might be more suitable for formal business communications, while a sans-serif font might be preferred for a more modern, clean look.
Not all fonts are universally supported across different email clients and devices. By selecting a widely supported font as your default, you can reduce the likelihood of your emails displaying incorrectly on the recipient’s end.
This ensures that your message is delivered as intended, without any formatting issues that could arise from using a less common font.
If you find yourself frequently changing the font when composing emails, it’s more efficient to set your preferred font as the default. This saves time and ensures consistency across all your outgoing messages. Over time, this small adjustment can lead to significant productivity gains, especially if you send a high volume of emails.
For those in creative fields, changing the default font can be an opportunity to showcase creativity. A individual font choice can reflect your innovative approach and set your emails apart from the standard ones.
While it’s important to ensure readability and professionalism, a well-chosen font can add flair and personality to your communication.
Changing the default font in Outlook is a simple but impactful way to enhance your email communication. By considering factors such as readability, professionalism, and audience preferences, you can make a significant difference in how your emails are received.
Understanding your audience and choosing a font that aligns with their expectations can improve engagement and ensure that your emails stand out for all the right reasons.
Whether you’re aiming for brand consistency, expressing your personal style, or maintaining a professional tone, the right font choice can make your communication more effective.
Changing the default font in Outlook can help personalize your emails and ensure that your messages are consistently formatted across all devices.
Here’s how you can change the default font in Outlook on various platforms:
1: Log into Outlook on the Web:
2: Access Settings:
3: Set Default Font:
4: Verification:
If you’re using the Outlook desktop application on Windows, you can easily change the default font for all new messages, replies, and forwarded emails:
1: Open Outlook:
2: Access Options:
3: Change Mail Format:
4: Set Default Fonts:
5: Verification:
On Mac, the Outlook desktop app provides similar options for customizing your default font:
1: Open Outlook:
2: Access Preferences:
3: Set Default Fonts:
4: Save Changes:
5: Verification:
Outlook on mobile devices doesn’t allow for extensive font customization like the desktop and web versions. However, you can change the font size, which can indirectly affect the appearance of your emails:
1: For iOS (iPhone/iPad):
2: For Android:
Customizing your default font in Outlook is a simple way to ensure your emails have a consistent and professional appearance. Whether you’re using Outlook on the Web, Windows, Mac, or a mobile device, these quick methods will help you personalize your email experience.
Changing the default font for your Outlook emails is more than simply a matter of taste. It is important to consider who will be receiving your new typeface and to ensure that it is readable, readable, and professional.
These best practices may help you in selecting the perfect font for your Outlook correspondence:
That’s all well and good, but which fonts meet all these requirements? The most often used typefaces for writing emails are listed below in brief;
The following important considerations should be made when selecting a new default font for your Outlook emails: readability, accessibility, professionalism, and compatibility. Your audience will appreciate it:)
We suggest reading this excellent post from the Nielsen Norman Group and this font legibility guide from WebAIM for more in-depth information on this subject.
Error-prone? Or perhaps you’d prefer to use Outlook’s original font? Not a sweat. With a few clicks, you can return Outlook to its default font style, size, and color. This is how it operates.
Step 1: Open Outlook.
Step 2: Use the following options to change your default font by repeating the previous steps.
➡️ If Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2015, Outlook 2016, or Outlook 2021 is being used by you:
➡️ If you’re using Outlook for the web:
➡️ If you’re using Outlook for Mac:
Step 3: Click Save when you’re finished.
There you have it, then. The default font in Microsoft Outlook has been successfully restored. Your emails will now appear exactly as they did previously.
Selecting the right font for your Outlook emails is essential for creating professional and readable communication.
Here are some key tips to help you choose the right font for your emails:
By following these tips, you can select a font that enhances the clarity, professionalism, and effectiveness of your Outlook emails.
Changing Outlook’s default typeface is a straightforward yet impactful way to personalize your email communications. Whether you’re using the Web App, Windows, or Mac, you can quickly select a new font, adjust its size, and change its color to better match your style or brand.
Remember, your font choice affects not just aesthetics but also readability and professionalism. For business emails, opt for a formal typeface to maintain a professional tone. If you’re using Outlook for personal communication, you might explore more creative fonts to reflect your personality.
Choosing the right font can enhance how your emails are perceived and ensure they stand out in a crowded inbox. So, select a typeface that aligns with your company’s spirit and is easy to read, and transform your emails from generic to exceptional.
For optimizing your digital presence, visit our website, ARZ Host.
To change the default font in Outlook, follow these steps:
Yes, Outlook allows you to set different default fonts for new emails, replies/forwards, and plain text messages. When you go into the “Stationery and Fonts” settings, you’ll see three distinct sections:
No, changing the default font in Outlook only affects the emails you compose and send. It does not change the font of emails you receive from others. The font settings you choose will only apply to the new emails you create, replies, or forwarded messages. Emails received from others will display in the font style that was used by the sender or in the default font of your email viewer if the email is in plain text format.
If the font doesn’t change after you’ve adjusted the settings, there could be a few reasons:
As of now, Outlook on the web (Outlook.com) and the Outlook mobile app do not offer the same level of customization for default fonts as the desktop version.
However, you can manually change the font style and size while composing each email:
For more advanced customization, you’ll need to use the Outlook desktop application.
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