Microsoft Outlook: Fonts and Font Styles

Overview

Using accessible fonts, sizes, and formatting improves readability for all users, including those using screen readers or magnification tools.

Considerations

• Sans-serif fonts are recommended for on-screen reading.
  • Examples: Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica.
• Serif fonts (e.g., Times New Roman) may be acceptable for print but may require spacing adjustments.
• Minimum recommended font size is 12 pt.
• Ensure strong contrast between text and background.
• Avoid condensed fonts.
• Use bold sparingly for emphasis.
• Avoid all caps, excessive italics, underlining, and highlighted text.
• Underlined text is commonly interpreted as a hyperlink.

Video Demonstration

Steps for e-mail formatting 

1. Highlight the paragraph text.
2. Change the font to a sans-serif font.
3. Set the font size to 12 pt or larger.
4. Ensure body text is smaller than headings.
5. To remove highlighting:
   • Select the highlighted text.
   • Choose No Color.
6. To remove underlining:
   • Select the text.
   • Select the Underline button to toggle it off.

Additional Resources

• Use Accessibile Font Format section of the Make Your Outlook Email Accessible to People with Disabilities (Microsoft Support Guide)