Where to find the default font setting in Outlook

The default font setting in Outlook lives in the Options menu, and the path depends on which version you're using. On Windows, open Outlook and go to File > Options > Mail. On Mac, open Outlook and go to Outlook > Preferences > Composing. Once you're in the right section, look for a button or link labeled Stationery and Fonts or Font — this is where you control what typeface appears when you start a new message.

If you're using Outlook on the web (the browser version), the process is different. Click the gear icon in the top right, select View all Outlook settings, then go to Mail > Compose and reply. Scroll down to find the font options there. The web version gives you fewer choices than the desktop app, but the setting works the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows Outlook, go to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts to change your default font for new messages.
  • On Mac Outlook, the setting is in Outlook > Preferences > Composing, then look for the font option in the compose section.
  • Your default font choice applies only to new messages you write, not to replies or forwarded messages unless you change those separately.
  • Changing the default font does not affect emails you have already sent or how other people's emails appear on your screen.

Choosing a font that works across devices

Not all fonts display the same way on every device. If you pick an unusual or decorative font, someone reading your email on a phone or older computer might see a different typeface instead — their device will substitute a font it recognizes. Stick to web-safe fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Verdana, or Georgia if you need your emails to look consistent for everyone who receives them.

If you work in a corporate environment, your company may have a standard font in the signature or email template already. Changing your default font will not override that template — the template will still appear as designed. Your default font choice affects only the body text you type in new messages.

Setting a different font for replies and forwarded messages

By default, when you reply to or forward an email, Outlook uses the same font as the original message, not your default font. If you want replies to use your chosen font instead, you need to adjust this separately. On Windows, go back to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts and look for the section labeled Replying or forwarding messages. Select your preferred font there.

On Mac, the same setting is in Outlook > Preferences > Composing, where you can set fonts for new messages and replies separately. This gives you control over whether your replies look different from the conversation thread they are part of — some people prefer to match the original message, while others want their replies to stand out.

What happens if your font choice does not appear in the dropdown

Outlook shows only fonts that are installed on your computer. If you do not see a font you want to use, you need to install it first. On Windows, download the font file, right-click it, and select Install. On Mac, double-click the font file and click Install Font in the dialog that appears. Once installed, close Outlook completely and reopen it — the new font should now appear in the dropdown list.

If you install a font but Outlook still does not show it, the font may not be compatible with Outlook or email in general. Return to a standard font like Arial or Calibri instead. Unusual fonts can also cause problems when recipients try to print your emails or read them on different devices.

Changing font size and color along with the typeface

The default font setting controls the typeface name, but you can also set the size and color at the same time. In the Stationery and Fonts dialog on Windows, you will see options for font size (measured in points) and text color. Pick a size between 10 and 12 points for body text — smaller than 10 points becomes hard to read on phones, and larger than 12 points can look unprofessional in business emails.

Color works the same way. Black is the safest choice because it prints clearly and reads well on any background. If you choose a color, avoid light shades like yellow or light gray, which disappear on white backgrounds. Remember that your color choice applies only to new messages you write — it does not change how you see other people's emails.

Resetting to Outlook's original default if you change your mind

If you want to go back to Outlook's built-in default font, open the font settings again and look for a button labeled Reset or Restore Defaults. On Windows, this is usually at the bottom of the Stationery and Fonts dialog. On Mac, you may need to manually select Calibri (the standard Outlook default) from the dropdown. Outlook does not have a single "undo" button for font changes, so you have to set it back manually.

If you have multiple email accounts in Outlook, each account can have its own default font. Change the font while you have one account selected, and it applies only to that account. Switch to another account and change the font there separately if you want a different look for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my default font affect emails I have already sent?

No. Your default font setting only applies to new messages you write from that point forward. Emails you sent before changing the font will keep their original appearance. Recipients will not see any change in your past messages.

Why does my font look different when the recipient opens my email?

The recipient's email program, device, or settings may display fonts differently than your computer does. If you used a font they do not have installed, their device substitutes a similar one. Using common fonts like Arial or Calibri reduces this problem.

Can I set a different default font for each folder or contact?

No. Outlook applies your default font to all new messages regardless of which folder you are in or who you are writing to. You can manually change the font for individual messages by selecting the text and using the font dropdown in the compose toolbar.

What if Outlook keeps reverting to the old font after I change it?

Close Outlook completely after making the change, then reopen it. If it still reverts, check that you saved the change by clicking OK or Apply in the settings dialog. On Mac, restart your computer after changing the font to make sure the change takes effect.

Does my default font choice affect how I see other people's emails?

No. Your default font only controls what you write in new messages. How you see incoming emails depends on the font the sender chose and your own Outlook display settings, not your default font.