Outlook: Can’t format text – what should I do?

If you can’t format text in Outlook, you’ve usually selected the wrong formatting setting. You can change this at any time, regardless of whether you’re composing a new message or replying to an email.

Can’t format email text in Outlook: Here’s what you can do

When you reply to an email, Outlook automatically adopts the original format. However, in “plain text” format, the formatting options are grayed out, you cannot set links and you cannot bold the written text or change its size. To change the formatting:

• Click on the Format Text tab in the message window.

• In the Format column, you will find the three format types: HTML, Plain Text and Rich Text. To format your text again, click on the HTML tab. Messages written in this format are compatible with almost all email programs.

• You can also select the Rich Text option. This allows you to use formatting, but it will only be displayed correctly in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Exchange.

• Note: If you do not see the formatting options in the tab, you must first switch to the classic view. To do this, simply click on the small arrow on the far right of the menu ribbon.