How to Create Stationery for Outlook Emails

Although previous versions of the Microsoft Outlook software came with digital designer stationery to "paper" the email messages, Outlook's latest release with the 2010 Office Suite eliminated that function. While Microsoft may have eliminated its included email stationery option, it left the functionality for you to create your own Outlook stationery for your emails. With a little bit of a workaround, create custom stationery for your next outgoing message.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Outlook. Click the "New E-mail" button on the top ribbon. If you do not see the button, click the "Mail" link in the bottom, left corner of the screen.

2. Click into the body of the email window to activate the tabs at the top of the ribbon. Click the "Options" tab.

3. Click the "Page Color" button. Select a small, colored square to serve as the background color for the stationery or click the "Fill Effects" link.

4. Click the "Gradient," "Texture" or "Pattern" tabs to review the stationery options, including designs such as tie-dye, marble and speckles. Select one of the options on the tabs or click the "Picture" tab, browse to a custom photo and double-click it to position it as your stationery's background. Click the "OK" button on the "Fill Effects" window when satisfied.

5. Insert an item onto the stationery such as a logo or hand-signature file by clicking the "Insert" tab. Click "Picture" and browse to the item. Double-click the image file. When it opens on the Outlook email window, drag it into place and resize as necessary by pressing the "Shift" key, clicking a corner of the picture and dragging it toward the middle to shrink it.

Resources

• Microsoft Outlook: Basic Tasks in Outlook 2010