Can You Quickly Change the Outlook Font and Make Text Bigger for a Happier Inbox?

What’s the Easiest Way to Safely Make Outlook Font Larger (and Remove Eye Strain)?

Making Outlook easy to read makes your day better. Small or plain text leaves many people uncomfortable or annoyed, but there’s a simple way to improve emails and your mood. Adjusting fonts in Outlook is much easier than you think, and there’s no need to feel stuck or overwhelmed.

What is the Default Outlook Font?

Outlook uses the Aptos font at 12-point size for new messages in most updated versions. If you use an older Outlook, Calibri (11-point) may be your default.

Why Change Outlook’s Font and Size?

• Bigger text is much easier for eyes.
• Clear fonts help you spot errors and finish messages faster.
• Your style can match your brand or mood.
• Consistent, friendly font impresses your readers and teammates.

Change the Default Font and Text Size for All Messages

Classic Outlook on Desktop

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click the File tab, pick Options.
3. In the left menu, choose Mail.
4. Click Stationery and Fonts.
5. Under the Personal Stationery tab, set fonts for:
   • New mail messages
   • Replying or forwarding messages
   • Plain text messages
6. Click Font for each type. Pick your favorite font, size, and color.
7. Press OK for each box until closed.

New Outlook or Web Outlook

1. Click the Settings gear icon (upper-right).
2. Select Mail then Compose and reply.
3. In Message format, pick your font and set the size you want.
4. Click Save.

Tip: For several accounts, select the account you want to adjust before changing the font.

Change Font for Just One Email

1. When writing an email, go to the Message tab.
2. Choose any font and size from the toolbar.
3. Select any text to change only part of the message.
4. This works in all Outlook apps.

Make Reading Outlook Emails Easier (Increase Font Size)

Use Zoom While Reading

1. Pick an email to read.
2. Find the Zoom slider in the lower right (classic), or:
   • In new Outlook, open the message, go to the View tab, click Zoom.
3. Use + to make text bigger or – to shrink.
4. Click Reset to go back to normal.
5. In new Outlook, zoom is remembered for all messages.

Quick Zoom Shortcut

Hold the Ctrl key and scroll your mouse wheel up or down to adjust size instantly.

In the old app, this only works for one email at a time; in the new app, it sticks.

Browser Zoom

If using Outlook Web, you can use your browser’s zoom for bigger text everywhere.

Change Font Size in Inbox Message List

Classic Outlook Desktop

1. Open the folder, like Inbox.
2. Click the View tab, then View Settings.
3. Go to Other Settings.
4. Change fonts for:
   • Column headings (From, Subject)
   • Rows (subject lines)
   • Message previews
5. Click OK to save.

Tip: Settings only affect the current folder. To apply to others, repeat or use the option to apply the current view everywhere.

New Outlook or Outlook Web

1. Go to Settings (gear icon).
2. Click Mail then Layout.
3. Under Text size and spacing, pick small, medium, or large.
4. Click Save.

Best Practices for Choosing Fonts

• Use easy-to-read, friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana.
• Stick with standard sizes (11-14pt for text).
• Avoid fancy or very small fonts for important emails.
• Pick fonts that work on all devices so people always see your message as you intend.

Sometimes, Mistakes Happen

If you want to go back to the original font, just repeat the steps and pick “Aptos 12pt” or the default that matches your system.

Feeling positive about your inbox starts with just a few clicks. Your screens and your eyes will thank you.