Set your default font before you write your first email
Outlook does not automatically use the font you prefer. Instead, it defaults to Calibri (or Aptos in newer versions), and you have to change it each time you compose a message unless you set a different default first. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Outlook on Windows, Mac, or the web version, but the principle is the same: you tell Outlook which font, size, and color you want for all new messages going forward.
Once you set a default font, Outlook remembers it. Every new email, reply, and forward will open in that font until you change the setting again. Existing emails keep whatever font they were originally written in — changing your default does not reformat old messages.
Key Takeaways
- In Outlook for Windows, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts to set your default font, size, and color for new messages.
- In Outlook for Mac, open Preferences > Composing and select your font from the dropdown menu for new messages.
- In Outlook on the web, click Settings > Mail > Compose and reply to change the default font for your account.
- Your default font applies only to new messages you write, not to emails you receive or messages you already sent.
- If you use multiple email accounts in Outlook, you can set a different default font for each account.
Windows: Change your default font in Outlook
Open Outlook and click File in the top left corner. Then click Options at the bottom of the menu. In the Outlook Options window, click Mail on the left side.
Look for the section labeled Compose messages and click the button that says Stationery and Fonts. A new window opens with three tabs: Personal Stationery, Signatures, and Fonts. Click the Fonts tab.
Under the section labeled New mail messages, you will see a dropdown menu for font selection. Click it and choose the font you want. Below that, you can set the font size (usually 11 or 12 point is readable). If you want a specific text color, click the color button next to the font size. When you are done, click OK twice to save and close both windows.
Mac: Change your default font in Outlook
Open Outlook and click Outlook in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Then click Preferences. A new window opens with several icons. Click the icon labeled Composing.
In the Composing preferences window, look for the section labeled Compose messages. You will see a dropdown menu next to Font. Click it and select the font you prefer. Next to that, you can set the font size. When you are done, close the preferences window — Outlook saves your changes automatically.
Outlook on the web: Change your default font
Sign in to your Outlook account at outlook.com or outlook.office.com. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select View all Outlook settings (or just Settings if that option does not appear).
Click Mail on the left side, then click Compose and reply. Scroll down until you see the section labeled Default font. Click the dropdown menu and choose your font. You can also set the font size and color here. Scroll to the bottom and click Save.
What happens if you set a font that the recipient does not have
If you choose a font that is not installed on the recipient's computer, Outlook automatically substitutes a similar font when they open your email. This usually happens without any visible problem — the email still reads clearly, though it may look slightly different from what you intended.
To avoid this issue, stick to web-safe fonts that are installed on almost all computers: Arial, Verdana, Times New Roman, Georgia, Courier New, or Calibri. These fonts display the same way on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Decorative or specialty fonts may not substitute well and can make your email harder to read.
Setting different default fonts for different email accounts
If you have multiple email accounts set up in Outlook for Windows, you can set a different default font for each one. Open File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. In the window that opens, look for a dropdown menu at the top that says Choose default stationery and fonts for messages. Click it and select the email account you want to customize. Then set the font, size, and color for that account only.
In Outlook for Mac and Outlook on the web, the default font applies to all your accounts. If you need different fonts for different accounts, you would have to change the setting each time you switch accounts, or manually select a different font before you send each message.
Resetting to Outlook's original default font
If you want to go back to Outlook's built-in default, follow the same steps you used to set your custom font. In Windows, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts > Fonts tab. Under New mail messages, click the dropdown and select Calibri (or Aptos if you are using a very recent version of Outlook). Click OK twice.
In Mac, go to Outlook > Preferences > Composing and select Calibri from the Font dropdown. In Outlook on the web, go to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply and select Calibri from the Default font dropdown, then click Save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my default font affect emails I already sent?
No. Your default font setting only applies to new messages you write from that point forward. Emails you already sent keep the font they were written in, and emails you receive display in whatever font the sender used.
Can I set a different default font for replies and forwards?
In Outlook for Windows, yes. When you open Stationery and Fonts, the Fonts tab has separate sections for New mail messages, Replying or forwarding messages, and Printing. You can set a different font for each. On Mac and the web, the same default applies to all message types.
What if my custom font does not show up when I open a new email?
Close Outlook completely and reopen it. Sometimes the setting does not take effect until you restart the program. If it still does not work, go back to your font settings and confirm you clicked OK or Save. On the web, make sure you scrolled to the bottom and clicked the Save button.
Can I use different fonts in the same email?
Yes. Your default font applies when you start typing, but you can highlight any text and change its font using the formatting toolbar at the top of the compose window. Select the text, click the font dropdown, and choose a different font for just that section.
Does Outlook on the web save my font choice if I use multiple devices?
Yes. Your default font setting is tied to your Outlook account, so it follows you across any device where you sign in. If you change your default on your phone, it changes on your computer too.