Change Outlook View HTML to Plain Text [Ultimate Guide 2024]

Written By Steven Arends

The default composition Settings for Microsoft Outlook lies in HTML. But sometimes, it creates confusion among users. If you are facing this issue and want to change your format, this content can help you.

When Tim Berners Lee first wrote the HTML in 1993, many tech enthusiasts saw it as a game changer in the programming world. But it created a problem when it was first introduced in apps. Some users found it a complex operation.

But As a regular user, I find it realistic and polished. When I found out many of you face this issue, I investigated it. I discovered some working fixes that can solve your problem and improve your experience using Outlook.

Don’t skip anything if you want to know about the findings.

Let’s begin!change-outlook-view-html-to-plain-text

Check our exclusive tutorial on how to change client-only Rule to server in Outlook.

How Do You Change the HTML View in Outlook

You can change the HTML view in Outlook by opening the Outlook app and then going to the Options; from there, select the Mail option, find the Compose messages bar, and select your required format from the Compose messages in this format option.

For your aid, there are three format options in Outlook: HTML, Rich Text, and Plain Text. You can use whatever you feel comfortable with.

Quick Note: The first name of Outlook was Hotmail. Microsoft bought and relaunched it in the name of Outlook in 2012.

However, the Outlooks HTML and Plain text issue is a deal breaker for some users. It can cause a harsh experience for the user. To resolve the issue, you can simply follow my guide.

Chase down the composition beneath to know how to change email to HTML or plain text.

Check out the easiest way to Enable Read Receipts In Outlook.

How to Change Email to HTML or Plain Text

When you want to change your default composition into a specific text format, you need to follow the beneath process serially.

Note that all the solutions are for Outlook 2021, but you can implement them in your Outlook as the process is identical for all the Outlook versions.

Here are the steps to change email to HTML or plain text:

  • Open the Outlook app.
  • Click the File option beside the Home option.file-option
  • Select the Options interface.click-option
  • Click the Mail option beneath the General option.
  • Find the Compose messages in this format option under the Compose messages interface.mail-option
  • Change the format as you see fit.

It will turn your whole composition settings into your required text format.

You can follow the subsequent actions to change the received email text from plain to HTML.

Here’s a complete guide on how to add email signature in Outlook.

Change Received Email from Plain Text to HTML

Many of you want to read their email in HTML format but don’t know how to do it. Read through if this sounds familiar to you.

Here are the actions to change received email text plain to HTML:

  • Start the Outlook app.
  • Go to the File interface.file-option
  • Select the Options button.click-option
  • Click on the Trust Center option situated below the Add-ins option.
  • Select the Trust Center Settings box under the Microsoft Outlook Trust Center bar.Trust-center-settings
  • Find the Email Security option.
  • Disable the Read all standard mail in plain text option under the Read as Plain Text bar.Email-security

Now you can read your received Email in HTML form.

Check out our separate post on how to view message headers in Outlook.

Change the Text for a Particular Email

Follow my instructions below if you need to change the text for a single email. It will give you a complete understanding of changing the text.

Here are the ways to change the text for a particular Email:

1. Change the Text Format in the New Email

Using the following measures mentioned below, you can change your format text in Outlook. And that can make your Outlook experience more smooth and more versatile.

Here are the measures to alter the text format in the new email: 

  • Open the Outlook app from your computer.
  • Click the New Email option.new-mail
  • Select the Format Text interface from the pop-up bar.
  • Select the HTML, Plain Text, Rich Text option.formet-text

It concludes your text Settings. Now you can compose your mail as you see fit.

Trace the adjacent way to change email format while replying or forwarding a message.

Also, check out our separate post on disable Outlook deleting confirmation message.

2. Change Email Format When Replying to or Forwarding an Email

You can always alter the text format when forwarding or replying to someone. If you want to know how? Follow the rest of the process.

Here are the steps to change email format when replying or forwarding: 

  • Start the Outlook app.
  • Select the Particular Email from the mailbox.
  • Click the Reply, Reply All and Forward option.
  • Select the Pop Out option beside the Discard option.
  • Go to the Format Text interface.
  • Choose the HTML, Rich Text,Plain Text option.

Now you are all set and can compose your Email as you please.

FAQs

How do you change the HTML view in Outlook?

Select the New Email option from your Outlook, then click on the Format Text option and find  HTML, Plain Text, and Rich Text; now you are good to go.

How do I view Plain text in Outlook?

If you want to view all mail in Plain text, then chase File>Options>Trust Center>Trust Center Settings and enable the Read all standard mail in Plain text option.

How can you tell if an email is HTML or Plain Text? 

You can distinguish between HTML and Plain Text with the help of color, formatting, and image. HTML contains all that, but Plain text doesn’t support them.

Final Thought

Although the HTML is best suited for email, you can always change it into Plain Text or Rich Text via twitching some configuration. You need to go to the Options interface, the Mail option, and set your desired text format.

When you face this format issue, it will twist your mind. But if you keep calm and follow my instructions, your dilemma with format text will dissolve.

Share your review below in the comment box.

Stay Safe. Bye!

About The Author
Steven Arends is a computer science graduate and tech enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has a vast collection of computer hardware and loves exploring the latest advancements. As a contributing author to 10Scopes, Steven shares his expertise to make the world of technology more accessible and easier to understand for all readers.

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