Change font size in Outlook's message view

The fastest way to change how large text appears in Outlook is through the font size dropdown in the toolbar. Open any email message and look at the formatting ribbon — you'll see a box with a number (usually "11" or "12") next to a small arrow. Click that arrow to see size options from 8 to 72 points, then select the size you want. This change applies only to the message you're reading, not to all future emails.

If you want to change the default font size for all new messages you write, you need to set it before you start typing. Go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Under "Composing messages," click Fonts, then set your preferred size. This becomes your default for all new emails going forward.

Key Takeaways

  • The font size dropdown in the message toolbar lets you resize text in any single email you're reading or writing.
  • To set a default font size for all new messages, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts > Fonts.
  • Font size changes in Outlook apply only to your view — the recipient sees the size you set, not their own default.
  • Outlook on the web (Outlook.com) has a separate font size control in the compose window that does not sync with desktop Outlook settings.

Change the default font size for reading emails

If emails always appear too small or too large when you open them, you can adjust the reading pane default. Go to File > Options > Mail > Reading Pane. Look for the "Font size" option and choose from the dropdown — the choices are usually Small, Medium, or Large. This affects how messages display when you click them in your inbox, but not how they appear when you're composing.

This setting is separate from the compose font size. You can have emails display at one size when you read them and use a different size when you write new ones. Both settings live in the same Options menu but in different sections.

Adjust font size in Outlook on the web

If you use Outlook through a web browser instead of the desktop app, the font size controls are in a different place. When you're reading a message, look for the three dots (more options menu) in the top right corner of the email. Click it and select View > Text size, then choose your preferred size. This change applies only to that one message.

For new messages you compose in Outlook on the web, click the font size dropdown in the compose toolbar — it's usually labeled with a number like "11" or "12" and sits next to the font name. The web version does not sync these settings with Outlook desktop, so you may need to set sizes separately for each platform if you use both.

Use zoom to enlarge everything at once

If you want to make all text in Outlook larger without changing individual font sizes, use your browser's or operating system's zoom feature. On Windows, hold Ctrl and press the + key to zoom in, or Ctrl and - to zoom out. On Mac, use Command and + or Command and -. This enlarges the entire Outlook window, including menus, buttons, and text.

Zoom is useful when you want a temporary size change without editing individual messages. It also affects how Outlook looks on your screen overall, so if you zoom to 125% or 150%, everything stays at that size until you zoom back to 100%. This method works in both desktop Outlook and Outlook on the web.

Font size options for specific message parts

When you're composing a message, you can change the font size of text you've already typed. Highlight the text you want to resize, then click the font size dropdown and select a new size. You can make the subject line larger, the body smaller, or mix sizes within the same email. Only the text you select changes — the rest of the message keeps its original size.

If you're replying to or forwarding a message, the original text usually stays at its original size unless you select it and change it manually. Outlook does not automatically resize quoted text when you change your compose font size.

Troubleshoot font size that won't change

If the font size dropdown appears grayed out or won't respond, you may be in a view that does not allow formatting changes. Make sure you're in the message compose window (not just the preview pane) and that you've selected the text you want to resize. Some Outlook accounts with restricted permissions may not allow font size changes — if this is the case, contact your IT department or account administrator.

If font size changes are not saving as your default, clear your Outlook cache and restart the app. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Outlook Data Files and note the location of your data file, then close Outlook completely. Restart it and check whether your settings have been saved. If the problem persists, your account settings may need to be reconfigured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my font size affect how recipients see my email?

Yes. The font size you set when you compose a message is embedded in the email and displays at that size for everyone who receives it. If you send an email in 14-point font, the recipient sees 14-point font (unless they have their email client set to override sender formatting, which some do).

Can I set different default font sizes for different email accounts?

Yes. If you have multiple accounts in Outlook, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts and look for an "Account" dropdown at the top of the dialog. Select each account and set its default font size separately. Each account can have its own default.

Why does my font size reset every time I restart Outlook?

This usually means the settings did not save properly. Make sure you click OK at the bottom of the Options dialog after changing your font size, not just closing the window. If it keeps resetting, try repairing your Outlook installation through Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, then select Outlook and click Repair.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to change font size quickly?

In Outlook desktop, you can use Ctrl and ] to increase font size or Ctrl and [ to decrease it while composing. These shortcuts work only in the message compose window, not in the reading pane. Outlook on the web does not support these keyboard shortcuts.