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how to disable paragraph marks in outlook emails

Willis, DeeAnn 0 Reputation points
2026-03-18T16:39:00.1033333+00:00

Paragraph marks are showing up on all my emails. I am unable to turn them off.

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Email
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  1. Diana Mariz 8,715 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-03-18T17:11:15.88+00:00

    Hi,

    Paragraph marks in emails are caused by formatting marks (¶) being turned on in Outlook. To turn them off, open a new email, go to Format Text, and click the ¶ button. If that doesn’t work, go to File → Options → Mail → Editor Options → Display, and uncheck Paragraph marks and other enabled formatting marks. This should restore normal email view.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-03-18T16:39:14.0433333+00:00

    To disable paragraph marks (and other formatting marks) in Outlook email, use the Show/Hide ¶ control or the editor/display options, depending on which Outlook experience is in use.

    1. While composing an email, go to the ribbon at the top of the message window.
    2. On the Format Text (or Message) tab, locate the Paragraph group.
    3. Select the Show/Hide ¶ button (the paragraph symbol). Selecting it again toggles formatting marks off.
      • Keyboard shortcut in classic Outlook for Windows: press Ctrl+Shift+* (use the * on the 8 key).

    If specific marks (like spaces, tabs, or paragraph marks) keep appearing, adjust the editor options:

    1. Open a new email message.
    2. Select File > Options > Mail.
    3. Under Compose messages, select Editor Options.
    4. Select Display.
    5. Under the formatting marks section, clear Show all formatting marks, or uncheck individual items such as Paragraph marks, Spaces, Tab characters, etc.
    6. Select OK to save.

    These settings apply to all future messages that are composed, replied to, or forwarded and do not affect how messages print.

    References:

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

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