Making Messages Easier to Read

You can send and receive e-mail messages in three different formats: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Outlook Rich Text, and plain text. Although this is not necessarily an accessibility feature, being aware of the characteristics of each format and how these characteristics can affect your needs helps you work more efficiently in Outlook.

• The HTML format provides you with the ability to use text formating, numbering, bullets, alignment, horizontal lines, stationery, and backgrounds; and to create HTML styles and Web pages. Web pages properly coded in HTML can be the most accessible of the formats. However, older screen readers may not be able to read a message in HTML.
• The Outlook Rich Text format allows you to use text formatting, bullets, and alignment. People with low vision may have difficulty seeing some of the text formatting.
• The plain text format provides no formatting features, but is the best all-around accessible format.

Try these Accessibility Tutorials:

• Changing the Format of a Message You Receive
• Changing the Format of Messages You Send
• Changing Fonts of Messages You Send