How to make HTML composing the default

Question

This used to be easy, but for some reason, the option to select HTML is no longer in the Compose section of the settings. I also used to be able to do it in the message window, which is also gone now.
It's still there if I switch to Legacy Outlook, but I don't want to do that if there's another way to change the format to HTML. The problem that made me aware of this is that Outlook is reformatting all the link colors in my business email signature.

If anyone has the answer, I'd be so grateful!

Answer 1

Hi @Angie,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A, and thank you so much for reaching out to us. I appreciate you taking the time to report this behavior.

Please note that as forum moderator, my access to macOS test environments is limited, so my guidance is based on available documentation and resources. That said, I’ll do my best to assist you as much as possible.

Based on your description, I was able to confirm the same behavior on my side. In the New Outlook for macOS, the option to choose the message format (HTML or Plain Text) has been removed. I also checked for any configuration or policy that could re‑enable this setting, but currently Microsoft does not provide a toggle to restore this feature.

For workaround, outside of using Classic Outlook as you mentioned, I checked and verify that you can still compose emails in HTML using Outlook Web. You can check it by going to File > Settings > Mail > Compose and reply.

I understand how important consistent formatting is especially for signatures, branding, or professional communication. Therefore, I recommend submitting this request on the Microsoft Feedback Portal. The more users who raise the issue, the more likely the Outlook team will consider re‑introducing this feature in future updates.

Additionally, I found an external article that discusses alternative workarounds for similar formatting issue. While I’m unable to test it directly, you’re welcome to review it and see if it helps in your situation.

Note: Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. These sites are not controlled by Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot make any representations regarding the quality, safety, or suitability of any software or information found there. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks before using any suggestions from the above link.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Answer 2

To set HTML as the default composing format in Outlook, you can follow these steps:

For Outlook 2010 and later versions:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on the File tab.
3. Select Options.
4. In the Options dialog, navigate to the Mail section.
5. In the Compose messages section, select HTML from the Compose messages in this format drop-down list.
6. Click OK to save your changes.

For Outlook 2007 or earlier versions:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on the Tools menu and select Options.
3. Go to the Mail Format tab.
4. Choose HTML in the Message Format section.
5. Click OK to confirm.

If you are using Outlook on the web, you can also configure the default message format:

1. Go to Settings > Options > Mail > Layout.
2. Set the default message format to HTML.

These steps should help you set HTML as the default format for composing messages in Outlook, which may resolve the issue with your email signature formatting.

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References:

• Message format and transmission in Exchange Online
• Outlook on the web settings