How to active text type and option in an email

Emmanuel Coffy 0 Reputation points
2026-08-28T19:06:55.7766667+00:00

I am unable to activate text type and option in email

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Settings
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  1. Paulo GM 71,975 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-28T21:05:44.73+00:00

    Hi,

    It sounds like your messages are currently being composed in plain text. If you’re using the New Outlook, the steps provided by AI won't apply. You can check this by going to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Message format, then change it from Plain text to HTML and click Save.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-28T19:07:06.2433333+00:00

    If text formatting options are unavailable while composing an email, the most likely cause is that the message is in Plain Text format. Plain Text does not support formatting such as bold, italics, underline, or bullets.

    To enable text formatting in Outlook:

    1. Open the message you are replying to or composing.
    2. Select Options.
    3. Select Switch to HTML.
    4. Confirm with OK if prompted.

    After switching to HTML, formatting options should become available.

    If the issue is the mini formatting toolbar not appearing when text is selected, check this setting in classic Outlook:

    1. Select File.
    2. Select Options.
    3. In the General tab, under User Interface options, make sure Show Mini Toolbar on selection is checked.
    4. Select OK and restart Outlook.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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