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Is it possible to type in a Tab space in an Outlook email?

Anonymous
2016-09-09T19:50:58+00:00

If yes, how does one accomplish this? the Tab key does other tasks. It seems silly that one cannot put in a tab space in an email.

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-10T13:30:17+00:00

    Hi Scott,

    Generally, when composing emails using the Outlook desktop client, we can enter the Tab key to make the cursor move forward. However, the feature is not feasible when using OWA(Outlook Web App). In OWA, we need to click the Increase indent button to achieve the goal.

    As a result, may I know if you use OWA when you execute "Tab Space"? If so, it could be an expected behavior. However, if I misunderstood the scenario, please share the following information to troubleshoot the problem:

    1. Which type of Outlook client do you use, Outlook for Windows client, Outlook for Mac client or any other application?
    2. Let us know the detailed version of the affected Outlook.
    3. Screenshots about the symptom you encounter.

    Looking forward to your updates.

    Best Regards,

    Ruel

    [Updated by Ruel Mayoya MSFT, 1:41pm, Sept 10, 2016 (UTC)]

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-09-22T13:08:14+00:00

    Hi Scott,

    I agree with Brian. It is an expected behavior that every time the TAB key is pressed, it will normally select URLs and visible/clickable links on Outlook Web App. There are alternative ways to apply the TAB on text forms per browser:

    Using Firefox:

    • For any Windows program, you can press Alt+ 9 (press and hold Alt, press and release numpad 0, press and release numpad 9, release Alt) to insert a tab. You can then copy and paste that resulting tab.
    • For any Mac program, you can press Control + Option + Tab to insert a tab. Copy and paste it as needed.

    Using Chrome on MAC:

    • Go to Menu > Settings > Show advanced settings > Scroll down to "Web Content" and uncheck "Pressing Tab on a webpage highlights links, as well as form fields"

    We welcome and encourage you to share your ideas through http://office365.uservoice.com/forums/273494-outlook-and-calendar . Understanding your experience helps us to make our product and service better for you and others.

    Best Regards,

    Ruel

    [Updated by Ruel Mayoya MSFT Support, 8:21 AM, Sept, 24, 2016 (UTC)]

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-09-21T18:03:25+00:00

    I am using the web based Outlook and while I use the indent button all the time, it indents the entire line/paragraph of text. I'm talking about using a Tab space to separate information across a single line, without changing the outer "margins" of the text.

    The effect I'm looking for can only be achieved using spaces (at least so far as I know) - it would look something like this:

    Page Name                 URL                                                    Author

    Page Name                 URL                                                    Author

    Page Name                 URL                                                    Author

    Page Name                 URL                                                    Author

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  3. Brian Tillman [Outlook MVP 2007-2019] 25,880 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2016-09-21T19:52:18+00:00

    Because the browser interacts first with the characters you type, it intercepts the tab character rather than inserting it into the text box. One way to work around this, however, is to open Notepad, insert the tab character there, select and copy it (Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C), then go back to the browser text entry area and insert it (Ctrl+V).

    Some browsers have plug-ins available that will allow you to use tabs from the keyboard but for Microsoft browsers using text boxes, I don't know of any other way than the work-around I cited. It's not specifically an Outlook Web App issue. It's a web browser issue.

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  4. Anonymous
    2016-09-13T09:15:36+00:00

    Hi Scott,

    I would like to ask some updates. Are you still experiencing the issue?

    Best Regards,

    Ruel

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