Where to find the font settings in Outlook

The steps to change your default font depend on which version of Outlook you use. Microsoft Outlook comes in two main forms: Outlook desktop (the traditional program you install on your computer) and Outlook web (the version you access through a browser). The location of font settings differs between them.

In Outlook desktop, font settings live in the File menu under Options. In Outlook web, they are in the Settings gear icon. Both let you set a default font for new messages you compose, but the process takes different paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook desktop and Outlook web store font settings in different locations — File > Options for desktop, Settings for web.
  • Your default font choice applies only to new messages you write, not to messages you receive or reply to.
  • Changing the font does not affect messages already sent or received; it only changes what you type going forward.
  • If you use Outlook on multiple devices, you may need to set the default font separately on each one.

Changing the default font in Outlook desktop

Open Outlook and click the File tab in the top-left corner. From the menu that appears, select Options. A window titled Outlook Options will open.

In the left sidebar of the Outlook Options window, click Mail. On the right side, look for a section called Compose Messages. Within that section, you will see a button labeled Stationery and Fonts. Click it.

A new window titled Signatures and Stationery will open. At the top, click the Personal Stationery tab. Under New Mail Messages, you will see a Font button. Click it to open the font selection dialog. Choose your font, size, color, and style, then click OK. Click OK again to close the Signatures and Stationery window, and OK once more to close Outlook Options. Your default font is now set.

Changing the default font in Outlook web

Log into Outlook web through your browser. In the top-right corner, click the gear icon to open Settings. From the dropdown menu, select View all Outlook settings.

In the left sidebar, click Mail, then Compose and reply. Scroll down to find the Default font section. A dropdown menu shows your current font. Click it to see available options. Select the font you want, and the change saves automatically. You do not need to click a Save button.

What happens when you change your default font

When you set a new default font, it applies only to messages you write from that point forward. Messages you have already sent or received keep their original formatting. If someone sends you a message in Times New Roman, it will still appear in Times New Roman when you read it.

When you reply to a message, Outlook may use the font of the original message rather than your default font. This behavior varies by version. If you want your replies to use your chosen font, you may need to manually select it after you start typing.

Font options available in each version

Outlook desktop offers a wider range of fonts than Outlook web. Desktop includes most system fonts installed on your computer, plus options to adjust size, color, bold, italic, and underline. Outlook web typically offers a smaller set of common fonts like Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, and Courier New, with limited styling options.

If you use Outlook desktop and sync with Outlook web on your phone or browser, the font you set in desktop may not carry over to web. You may need to set a default font in each version separately to keep your formatting consistent across devices.

Troubleshooting font changes that do not stick

If you set a default font and new messages still appear in a different font, check whether you are composing in Plain Text or HTML format. Outlook desktop has a Format menu in the compose window that lets you switch between these. Plain Text mode ignores font settings and uses a monospace font instead. Switch to HTML format to use your chosen font.

If you are using Outlook web and the font does not change, clear your browser cache and log out, then log back in. Browser cache sometimes stores old settings. If the problem persists, try a different browser to determine whether the issue is browser-specific.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default font affect emails I already sent?

No. Your default font setting only applies to new messages you compose from that point forward. Emails already sent keep the font they were sent in. The recipient sees the message exactly as you sent it, regardless of what you change your default to later.

Can I set different default fonts for different types of messages?

In Outlook desktop, you can set separate fonts for new messages, replies, and forwarded messages through the Signatures and Stationery window. Outlook web does not offer this level of control — it applies one default font to all outgoing messages.

What if my chosen font does not appear on the recipient's computer?

If the recipient does not have the font installed, their email client substitutes a similar font automatically. This is why common fonts like Arial and Calibri are safer choices than decorative or specialty fonts. The message remains readable, but may not look exactly as you intended.

Do I need to change the default font on my phone if I use Outlook mobile?

Outlook mobile has limited font customization. Most phones use the system default font for email composition. You can usually change text style (bold, italic) within a message, but not the base font. Check your phone's Outlook settings to see what options are available on your specific device.