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.

Steps for e-mail formatting 

For a demonstration of how to adjust font size and formatting, please see the Outlook for Macs Fonts and Formatting video and the Outlook for Windows Fonts and Formatting video. 

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)