Customizing the Outlook Toolbar

Email commands differ slightly according to your version of Outlook.

Computer software continues to make everyday tasks, problem-solving and communication easier than ever before. For those who use Microsoft Outlook for emailing, there are ways to make the process even more intuitive for you by customizing the program's features. Only Outlook 2003 and earlier editions allow you to customize the top toolbar on the program; however, you can customize the Quick Access Toolbar for added convenience in Outlook 2010.

Instructions

2003 Version

1. Right-click on any toolbar that you want to modify. In the window that pops up, click "Customize."

2. Click on an icon and drag it to another spot or toolbar if you want to change the order or location of different command functions.

3. Click and drag any command from a menu and drop it into any toolbar. This will create a button in that toolbar that allows you to perform that command without going into a menu.

4. Resize the width of either the "Find a Contact" or "Current View" toolbar by clicking on that box, then resting the mouse over the border of either the left or right edge. An icon with horizontal arrows will appear. When it does, left-click and hold, which will allow you to move the edge to whatever width you want.

2010 Version

1. Click on any tab or command that you want to add to the Quick Access Toolbar. You can find any command on the ribbon at the top of the page. Right-click on that command. A window will pop up. Click the "Add to Quick Access Toolbar" to create an icon to quickly access that command.

2. Right-click on any command icon that's already in the Quick Access Toolbar to remove it. Simply click "Remove from Quick Access Toolbar" and that command icon will disappear.

3. Right-click on the toolbar box and click "Customize the Quick Access Toolbar" to group different icons together. Next, click "Popular Commands," then "Separator" then "Add." A line will appear in the Quick Access Toolbar separating different command icons. Press the up or down arrow to move the location of this separator.

4. Click on the toolbar arrow at the right to change the location of the Quick Access Toolbar. A list will pop up, allowing you to move it either above or below the ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot increase the size of command icons in a toolbar. You can, however, increase screen resolution on your computer if the icons prove hard to see.

References

• Microsoft Office: Easy ways to customize your Outlook toolbar
• Microsoft Office: Customize the Quick Access Toolbar