How to Change the Background Appearance of Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a powerful business-oriented email client, but it is not without fun features. Among these is its ability to use an electronic stationery template for your email messages. When you use a stationery template, message recipients with HTML-enabled email clients will see your selected background image when they receive messages from you. Change the background appearance in Outlook to use a stationery template if you would like to add a more colorful look to your messages.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Outlook 2002, 2003 or 2007

Instructions

1. Click the "Tools" menu, then click "Options".

2. Confirm that the "Mail Format" tab is on top in the window that appears.

3. Select the "HTML" format under "Compose in this message format".

4. Select the background image that you want to use for your Outlook stationery under "Use this stationery by default". If you are using Outlook 2007, click the "Theme" button, then click the stationery that you want to use.

5. Click "OK" to close each open window and save your change.

References

• Microsoft Office Online: Specify the Default Stationery for New Messages
• University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Help Desk: Setting a Default Stationery or Theme
• Microsoft Support: How to Work with HTML Stationery in Outlook 2002