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Choose Plain Text or Formatted Text (Outlook on the Web)

Outlook on the Web can be set to send messages in plain text or HTML. You can configure it to use either as the default; you can also change to the other format while composing a message.

This article applies to: 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.

Configure Default Setting

  1. In Outlook on the Web, on the red, Cornell-themed toolbar, click the gear icon.
  2. At the bottom of the Settings panel that opens, click View all Outlook settings.
  3. In the left column, click Mail.
  4. In the second column, click Compose and reply.
  5. Under Message format, next to Compose messages in, select the desired format.
  6. Click Save near the top of the screen.
  7. Close the Settings window to return to your mail.

Select Format for an Individual Message

While composing a message, click the three dot icon in the toolbar above the From and To fields, then select Switch to plain text or Switch to HTML.

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