For many professionals and casual users alike, Microsoft Outlook is the go-to email client. Whether you’re managing work correspondences, catching up with newsletters, or organizing your schedule, having the text just the right size is essential for comfort and readability. If you’re finding Outlook’s font a bit too small (or maybe a tad too large), there are several ways you can adjust it to better suit your preferences or accessibility needs.
TL;DR
If you’re looking to increase the font size in Microsoft Outlook, you have several options depending on what aspect you’re trying to change. You can modify the font size for reading emails, composing new messages, or even for the user interface and folder panes. Most of these settings can be found in Outlook’s Options menu or by diving into the View settings. Read below for detailed, step-by-step instructions tailored to your needs.
Why Adjusting Font Size in Outlook Matters
In today’s digital world, we spend hours staring at screens. Whether we realize it or not, font size has a huge impact on how quickly and comfortably we read and produce emails. A poorly sized font can lead to:
- Eye strain
- Reading fatigue
- Miscommunication due to overlooked words or typos
That’s why customizing your font settings in Outlook is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a productivity booster. Depending on your version of Outlook and what specifically you’d like to change, you’ll need to use different settings. Let’s dive into them one by one.
1. Increase Font Size When Reading Emails
One of the most common gripes is that the emails you receive are hard to read. Here’s how to make them easier on the eyes:
Using the Zoom Feature (Quickest Way)
This method doesn’t permanently change Outlook’s settings but does make messages easier to read in the moment.
- Open any email in a new window.
- Click on the Message tab.
- Select Zoom (located in the toolbar).
- Choose a zoom level, such as 150%, and click OK.
This method is particularly handy for users who just want a temporary boost while reading.
Using Accessibility Settings for Permanent Change
To make a lasting change to how emails appear, you’ll need to change the font settings directly.
- In Outlook, go to File > Options.
- Select Ease of Access from the sidebar.
- Under Reading Pane, click Make text bigger.
- This opens your system settings where you can adjust the overall text size in Windows, impacting Outlook too.
Note: This method affects all text in Windows, not just Outlook, so consider this if you only want Outlook-specific changes.
2. Change Font Size for Composing and Replying Emails
Don’t want to peer at tiny text while you’re typing a long email? Here’s how to change the default font size in the compose window.
- Select File > Options.
- Click on Mail, then click the Stationery and Fonts button on the right.
- A new dialog box will open with three font settings:
- New mail messages
- Replying or forwarding messages
- Composing and reading plain text messages
- Click on each one and set your desired font style and size.
- Click OK to apply the changes.
This ensures you won’t have to manually bump up the font every time you write a message.
3. Adjusting Font Size of the Outlook Interface
If menus and list items like folders and subject lines in your inbox appear too small, Outlook doesn’t offer direct controls, but Windows provides a workaround.
Change via Windows Display Settings
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop and select Display Settings.
- Under Scale and layout, choose a higher percentage like 125% or 150%.
- This scales up everything on-screen, including Outlook components.
Although this impacts all applications, it’s the most comprehensive way to increase UI text size within Outlook itself.
4. Set Up a High Contrast or Custom Theme
Outlook also offers options to make text more legible through themes:
- Go to File > Office Account.
- Choose a theme like Dark Gray or Black under the Office Theme dropdown.
- These themes can add contrast, making text appear larger and easier to read, especially in low light conditions.
High contrast settings within Windows can further boost visibility but come at the cost of aesthetic polish.
5. Keyboard Shortcuts That Help
If you’re not into digging through menus and settings, some quick keyboard shortcuts can help in the short term:
- Ctrl + Mouse Wheel in the reading pane to zoom in and out.
- Ctrl + Shift + > to increase font size when composing an email.
- Ctrl + Shift + < to decrease it.
These shortcuts can be a lifesaver when you need a quick adjustment without losing workflow momentum.
6. Using Outlook Web App (OWA)? Here’s What to Do
If you’re using Outlook via browser (like Outlook.com or Office 365 webmail), the process is a bit different:
- Navigate to Settings (gear icon in top-right corner).
- Click View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
- Under Mail > Compose and reply, you’ll find font customization options.
While this won’t affect your reading pane, it lets you control how emails you write will look.
Troubleshooting Font Size Issues
If the font settings still aren’t sticking or behaving oddly, try these checks:
- Make sure Outlook is updated to the latest version.
- Reset your View settings: View > Reset View.
- Ensure there are no third-party add-ins affecting appearance.
If issues persist, a full repair via the Office installer might help restore default configurations.
Final Thoughts
Adjusting the font size in Outlook doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Whether you’re trying to eliminate eye strain, optimize your workflow, or just prefer a different aesthetic, the solution is likely just a few clicks away. Taking the time to customize your settings ensures a smoother, more comfortable experience—something every frequent Outlook user will appreciate.
From temporary zooming to full-scale layout changes, there’s an option for everyone. Now that you know your choices, open Outlook and give your eyes the break they deserve!
