Outlook has three different message formats that you can use for different situations.
Create a new message—or reply to or forward a message—to display the message window.
From the message window, click the Format Text tab.
Choose a message format.
HTML (the default) is usually your best option, as it allows formatting and works on most software.
You can also change message formats when you reply to or forward an email. For example, you can change a Plain Text email to an HTML email.
This table explains the three message formats in more detail:
Format
Works On
Formatting
Description
HTML
Most Devices
Yes
Allows formatting and works with most software. This is the default and recommended format.
Plain Text
All Devices
No
Works on all devices but does not allow any formatting.
Rich Text
Outlook
Yes
Outlook's proprietary message format. Allows for complex formatting but only works if the sender and recipients are in an organization that is using Microsoft Exchange.
One way to emphasize text in an email is by changing its font type. A font type is a set of characters with the same design and shape.
Create a new message—or reply to or forward a message—to display the message window.
Select the text you want to change.
Click the Font list arrow on the Format Text tab.
The font menu appears.
When text is selected, you can also click the Font list arrow on the Mini Toolbar.
Select a new font.
Font Type
Examples
Description
Serif
Times New Roman, Garamond, Cambria, Georgia, Palatino
Serifs are small details at the ends of some letter strokes, meant to improve legibility. Suitable for both heading and body text.
Sans Serif
Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana, Trebuchet MS
Sans serif fonts lack the small details at ends of letter strokes, leading to a plainer look. Suitable for both heading and body text.
Script
Brush Script, Zapfino, Lucida Handwriting
These fonts are meant to mimic handwriting, either calligraphic or casual. Useful in very specific designs, but not suitable for body text or most headings.
Monospace
Courier New, Consolas, American Typewriter
All letters and symbols have the exact same width. Useful when displaying computer code, or when precise horizontal alignment between lines is important.
In addition to changing font type, size, and color, you can also emphasize the text in an email by changing the font style and adding font effects, such as bold, italic, underline, shadow, and strikethrough.
Select the text you want to format from the message window.