The main ways to change Outlook's layout

Outlook gives you three main layout options: the classic sidebar view with your folder list on the left, a compact view that hides the sidebar, and a preview pane layout that shows your message list and email content side by side. Which one you use depends on your screen size and how you like to work — some people want everything visible at once, while others prefer a cleaner, less cluttered screen.

The layout you choose affects how much of your email you can see without scrolling, how easy it is to navigate between folders, and whether you can read a message while still seeing your inbox list. You can switch between layouts in seconds, so if one doesn't feel right, you can try another without losing any of your emails or settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Outlook's three main layouts are sidebar view (folders on the left), compact view (sidebar hidden), and preview pane view (message and content side by side).
  • You can change your layout from the View tab in the ribbon at the top of Outlook, or from the layout button in the bottom right corner of your window.
  • The preview pane can be positioned on the right side of your screen or below your message list, depending on your preference and screen space.
  • You can hide or show the reading pane, folder pane, and to-do bar independently, giving you fine control over what appears on screen.

Switching between the three main layouts

Open Outlook and look at the top of the window for the View tab in the ribbon. Click it, and you will see a section called Layout with three options: Sidebar, Compact, and Preview Pane. Click whichever one you want to use.

If you do not see the View tab, you may be in a different part of Outlook — for example, if you are reading an email in its own window, the View tab will not appear. Close that window and return to your inbox, then try again.

The quickest way to switch layouts without opening the ribbon is to look at the bottom right corner of your Outlook window. You will see three small icons that represent the three layouts. Click the one you want, and Outlook will change instantly.

Understanding sidebar view

Sidebar view is the default layout in most versions of Outlook. Your folder list appears on the left side of the screen, your inbox or other folder contents appear in the middle, and a preview of the selected email appears on the right. This layout works well if you have a wide monitor and want to see your folders, your message list, and your email content all at the same time.

In sidebar view, you can click any folder in the left panel to see its contents in the middle panel, and click any email to see it on the right. If you have many folders, you can scroll through the folder list, and if you have many emails, you can scroll through the message list. The folder pane stays visible, so you always know where you are.

Understanding compact view

Compact view hides the folder list on the left, giving you more horizontal space for your message list and preview pane. This layout is useful if you have a narrower monitor or if you do not need to see your folders constantly. You can still access your folders by clicking the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the top left, which opens a temporary folder panel.

Compact view keeps your inbox and email content visible, so you can still read and manage messages without opening the folder list. If you switch folders often, you may find yourself opening and closing the folder menu repeatedly, which can feel slower than sidebar view.

Understanding preview pane view

Preview pane view removes the sidebar entirely and stacks your message list on top of your email content. This layout works best on tall, narrow screens or if you prefer to see your full message list without the folder pane. Your folders are still accessible from the menu icon at the top left, just as in compact view.

In preview pane view, your email content takes up the bottom half of the screen and your message list takes up the top half. You can drag the divider between them up or down to give more space to whichever section you use more often. This layout can feel cramped on a standard desktop monitor but works well on laptops or smaller screens.

Moving and hiding the preview pane

By default, the preview pane appears on the right side of your message list. If you want it below your message list instead, go to the View tab, find the Preview Pane section, and click Bottom. To move it back to the right, click Right.

If you want to hide the preview pane entirely so you can see more of your message list, click View, then Preview Pane, then Off. Your emails will still open in a separate window when you double-click them, but they will not appear in a pane next to your inbox. This gives you the maximum space for your folder list and message list.

Hiding the folder pane or to-do bar

You can hide individual parts of Outlook's interface without changing your overall layout. In the View tab, you will see checkboxes for Folder Pane, Reading Pane, and To-Do Bar. Uncheck any of these to hide that section, and check them again to show them.

Hiding the folder pane gives you more space for your message list and preview pane, but you will need to use the menu icon to switch folders. Hiding the to-do bar (which shows your tasks and calendar events) gives you more vertical space if you do not use those features often. You can mix and match these settings to create a layout that works for your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save my layout so it stays the same when I close Outlook?

Yes. Outlook remembers your layout choice and applies it every time you open the program. If you switch layouts, Outlook will use your new choice the next time you start it. If you want to go back to your previous layout, just switch back and Outlook will remember that too.

Why does my preview pane show only the first few lines of my email?

The preview pane is designed to show a summary, not the full email. Double-click the email to open it in its own window and read the complete message. You can also drag the divider between your message list and preview pane to make the preview pane taller, which will show more of the email without opening it.

What if I want to see my calendar or tasks while reading email?

The to-do bar on the right side of Outlook shows your calendar and tasks. Make sure it is turned on by going to View and checking To-Do Bar. You can also click the calendar or tasks icons in the left sidebar to switch to those views, though this will hide your email temporarily.

Does changing the layout affect my emails or folders?

No. Changing the layout only changes how Outlook displays your emails and folders on screen. Your actual emails, folders, and settings remain exactly the same. You can switch layouts as many times as you want without losing anything.