Color Categories
This article applies to: Microsoft Outlook , Outlook for Mac , Outlook for Windows , Outlook on the Web
Categories are markers you create to help you track important messages and events. You can assign a color and label to as many categories as you need, then apply those markers to messages and events either manually or, using rules, automatically. Categories can be associated with email messages, calendar items, and tasks.
Color Categories in Outlook for Windows or Mac
Assign a Color Category in Outlook for Windows
Assign a Color Category in Outlook for Mac
Color Categories in Outlook on the Web
Microsoft frequently updates the design of Outlook on the web, so your version may not match exactly the description given here.
Create a Category
- Select any item on your calendar, in an email folder, or on your task list.
- Right-click the item (Mac: ctrl-click).
- From the list that appears, select .
- Click to create one.
You cannot rename existing categories, but you can delete a category by selecting , then .
You can change the color associated with a category by selecting selecting , then , then clicking the current color shown next to the category.
Assign a Category to a Message, Calendar Event, or Task
Manually
- Right-click the item (Mac: ctrl-click).
- From the list that appears, select , then click the category you want to assign to the item.
Automatically
To automatically assign categories to messages, use Rules.
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