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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTo set a default composing font, use Outlook’s settings for your version: new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web use Mail > Compose and reply, while classic Outlook for Windows uses File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Outlook for Mac has separate settings for new messages and replies; permanent font selection is unavailable in Outlook mobile. These preferences affect messages you compose, not the fonts in messages you receive or what recipients’ email apps display.
Identify your Outlook version first
| Outlook version | How to recognize it | Use this section |
|---|---|---|
| New Outlook for Windows | Modern Windows app with a simplified interface; usually no File tab | New Outlook for Windows |
| Classic Outlook for Windows | Desktop program with File and Options | Classic Outlook for Windows |
| Outlook on the web or Outlook.com | Outlook opened in a browser | Outlook on the web |
| Outlook for Mac | Outlook running in macOS | Outlook for Mac |
| Outlook for iOS or Android | Outlook mobile app | Mobile Outlook |
Many new Windows devices began shipping with new Outlook instead of classic Outlook starting in 2024. If a guide tells you to open File > Options but those controls are missing, you probably have new Outlook.
Change the default font in new Outlook for Windows
- Open Outlook.
- Select View on the top menu.
- Select View settings.
- Choose Mail in the settings pane.
- Select Compose and reply.
- Under Message format, select the font, size, color, and text styles you want.
- Select Save.
New messages should now use that formatting by default. Check a reply as well: existing formatting in a conversation can affect how a reply looks.
Change the font in one new-Outlook message
- Create or open a message. If it is in the Reading pane, select Pop Out.
- Use the formatting controls in the compose window to choose the font, size, style, or color for that message.
To convert a message to plain text, select Options > Switch to plain text, then select OK. Plain text cannot retain font formatting.
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Make sure new Outlook uses HTML
Font formatting works only in a formatted message. Plain text cannot store a font, color, bold, italic, or similar styling.
- Select Settings.
- Choose Mail, then Compose and reply.
- Under Message format, find Compose messages in.
- Set it to HTML.
- Select Save.
HTML is the default in new Outlook. If font controls are unavailable or your selected font disappears when you start typing, check this setting.
Change the default font in classic Outlook for Windows
This procedure applies to classic desktop Outlook, including Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 2016.
Set the font for new messages
- Select File.
- Select Options.
- Choose Mail.
- Under Compose messages, select Stationery and Fonts.
- On the Personal Stationery tab, find New mail messages and select Font.
- Choose the font, style, size, and color.
- Select OK to close the Font dialog.
- Select OK in Stationery and Fonts.
- Select OK again to close Outlook Options.
The change applies to messages you create after saving the setting. It does not reformat messages already sent or received.
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Set a separate font for replies and forwards
Classic Outlook keeps new-message formatting separate from reply and forward formatting. To change both:
- Go to File > Options > Mail.
- Select Stationery and Fonts.
- Under Replying or forwarding messages, select Font.
- Choose the font, style, size, and color.
- Select OK three times to save and close the dialogs.
If you change only New mail messages, replies and forwards may continue using their old settings.
Set classic Outlook to compose in HTML
- Select File > Options > Mail.
- Under Compose messages, find Compose messages in this format.
- Select HTML.
- Select OK.
HTML is the recommended format for ordinary internet email. Rich Text Format is a legacy Microsoft format, while plain text cannot carry font or other visual formatting.
Restore the original classic Outlook font
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| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Font | +Body |
| Font style | Regular |
| Size | 11 |
| Font color | Automatic |
Apply those values independently under New mail messages and Replying or forwarding messages.
Change the default font in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com
- Open Outlook in your browser.
- Select Settings.
- Select Mail.
- Select Compose and reply.
- Under Message format, set Compose messages in to HTML.
- Choose the font and size you want to use.
- Select Save.
This preference is associated with the web Outlook account you are using. If you use multiple Microsoft accounts, check the setting while signed in to the account that sends the messages.
Change the font in just one web message
Open a new message or reply, then use the formatting controls above the message body. You can change the font, size, color, and style for that message without changing the saved default.
If the formatting toolbar or font selection does not work, return to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply and confirm that the message format is HTML, not plain text. Reopen the compose window after saving.
Change the default font in Outlook for Mac
These steps apply to current Outlook for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Outlook 2024 for Mac, and Outlook 2021 for Mac.
Set the font for new mail
- In the macOS menu bar, select Outlook.
- Select Settings.
- Select Composing in the left pane.
- Next to New mail or Composing (New mail), select Select….
- Choose the font and size in the Font panel.
- Select OK.
Set the font for replies and forwards
In the same Outlook > Settings > Composing area, select Select… next to Reply or forward. Choose the formatting and select OK. New mail and replies/forwards have separate preferences on Mac.
Do not confuse composing size with display size
To make Outlook’s folders, message list, and Reading pane easier to read, go to Outlook > Settings > Fonts and adjust the text-display-size slider. That changes the Outlook interface, not the font inserted into outgoing messages.
Microsoft says legacy Outlook for Mac will stop working with Exchange Online mailboxes starting in October 2026. Legacy Outlook for Mac is scheduled to continue working with on-premises Exchange mailboxes through October 9, 2029, with security updates only through that date.
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Can you permanently change the font in Outlook for iPhone or Android?
No. Permanent font selection is currently unavailable in the Outlook mobile apps. Microsoft does not currently support changing fonts while composing or replying in Outlook for iOS or Android.
Do not use the browser or new-Windows path of Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Font as a mobile-app procedure. That setting belongs to Outlook on the web and supported desktop versions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the font still looks wrong
The setting does not change incoming email
A default composing font controls messages you create, reply to, or forward. Received HTML messages can contain their own font instructions, so Outlook will not reliably replace the sender’s formatting with your preference.
You changed the Reading pane zoom instead
Zoom changes how text appears on your screen; it does not change the font used in a new message.
- New Outlook: select a message and use View > Zoom.
- Classic Outlook: use the Reading pane zoom control. To retain the reading level, select the percentage beside the zoom slider, choose a percentage, select Remember my preference, and select OK.
- Outlook.com: use browser zoom or Immersive Reader for reading-size changes.
Your signature uses another font
Signatures have their own formatting. If the signature looks different from the message body, edit the signature rather than changing only the compose font. Look for the signature settings in your Outlook version and select the signature text before choosing its font, size, or color.
Classic Outlook displays everything as plain text
Classic Outlook can be configured to read standard mail as plain text. This removes formatting from displayed messages.
- Go to File > Options > Trust Center.
- Select Trust Center Settings.
- Choose Email Security.
- Clear Read all standard mail in plain text.
Only disable this option if your organization’s security policy allows it. Reading mail as plain text can be intentional for security reasons.
The recipient sees a different font
Email does not guarantee that the recipient has your chosen typeface installed. If it is unavailable on the recipient’s computer or phone, their mail app substitutes an available font. For dependable results, use a common font and avoid relying on a decorative typeface for essential information.
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Do you need a command, registry edit, or PowerShell script?
No. Microsoft’s supported procedures use Outlook’s graphical settings. A Command Prompt command, registry change, PowerShell script, or configuration-file edit is not required for a permanent default font. Such workarounds can also be version-specific and may stop working after an Outlook update.
FAQ
Why can’t I find File > Options > Stationery and Fonts in Outlook?
That is the classic Outlook for Windows path. New Outlook uses View > View settings > Mail > Compose and reply. Outlook on the web uses Settings > Mail > Compose and reply.
Does changing the default font change every email I read?
No. It controls messages you compose, reply to, or forward. Incoming HTML messages can retain the sender’s font and formatting.
Why does my selected font disappear when I type?
Check that Outlook is composing messages in HTML. Plain text does not support font formatting. In classic Outlook, check File > Options > Mail; in new Outlook or web Outlook, check Settings > Mail > Compose and reply.
Can I set a different font for replies and new messages?
Yes, on classic Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac. Each provides separate settings for new mail and replies or forwards. New Outlook and Outlook on the web provide default composing controls, but existing message formatting can still affect a reply.
Can I permanently choose a font in Outlook mobile?
No. Font selection while composing or replying is currently unavailable in Outlook for iOS and Android.
Will the recipient see exactly the font I selected?
Not necessarily. If the recipient’s device does not have that font, the email program substitutes another available font.
The Bottom Line
For new Outlook and browser Outlook, use Settings or View > View settings > Mail > Compose and reply. For classic Outlook, use File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. Set the message format to HTML, and remember that replies, signatures, received messages, and mobile Outlook can have separate limitations.
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