How do I make emails from a specific person a different color in Outlook?

December 20, 2025 · caitlin

To make emails from a specific person appear in a different color in Outlook, you can use the Conditional Formatting feature. This allows you to visually distinguish emails from certain senders, making your inbox more organized and easier to navigate.

How to Change Email Color for a Specific Sender in Outlook

To change the color of emails from a specific sender, follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook and go to your inbox.
  2. Click on the "View" tab in the ribbon at the top of the window.
  3. Select "View Settings" to open the Advanced View Settings dialog box.
  4. Click on "Conditional Formatting."
  5. In the Conditional Formatting window, click "Add" to create a new rule.
  6. Name your rule something descriptive, like "Emails from John Doe."
  7. Click on "Font" to choose the color and style you want for these emails.
  8. After selecting the font and color, click "OK."
  9. Click on "Condition" to specify which emails this rule applies to.
  10. In the From field, enter the email address of the sender whose emails you want to color-code.
  11. Click "OK" to close the Condition dialog box, then click "OK" again to close the Conditional Formatting window.
  12. Finally, click "OK" in the Advanced View Settings window to apply your changes.

This process will help you easily identify emails from specific senders by changing their appearance in your inbox.

Why Use Conditional Formatting in Outlook?

Conditional Formatting in Outlook is a powerful tool that enhances your email management. It allows you to:

  • Quickly identify important emails by changing their color or font style.
  • Organize your inbox visually to reduce clutter and improve efficiency.
  • Customize your email view to match your personal or professional needs.

Practical Example: Organizing Work Emails

Imagine you receive numerous emails daily from various colleagues and clients. You can use Conditional Formatting to highlight emails from your manager in red, making them stand out and ensuring you never miss an important message. Similarly, you can use a different color for client emails, helping you prioritize your responses.

Benefits of Using Conditional Formatting

  • Improved Efficiency: Quickly spot critical emails amidst a crowded inbox.
  • Personalization: Tailor your email view to your preferences, enhancing user experience.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Spend less time searching for emails and more time on tasks that matter.

People Also Ask

How do I remove a Conditional Formatting rule in Outlook?

To remove a Conditional Formatting rule, go to the "View" tab, select "View Settings," then "Conditional Formatting." Choose the rule you want to delete and click "Delete." Confirm your choice, and the rule will be removed.

Can I apply Conditional Formatting to multiple senders in Outlook?

Yes, you can apply Conditional Formatting to multiple senders by adding their email addresses in the "Condition" dialog box under the "From" field. Separate multiple addresses with a semicolon.

Is Conditional Formatting available in all versions of Outlook?

Conditional Formatting is available in most versions of Outlook, including Outlook 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365. However, the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the version you are using.

Can I use Conditional Formatting for other criteria besides sender?

Absolutely! You can use Conditional Formatting to change the appearance of emails based on various criteria, such as subject lines, keywords, or email importance. This flexibility allows you to customize your inbox effectively.

What should I do if Conditional Formatting is not working in Outlook?

If Conditional Formatting isn’t working, ensure that you’ve correctly set up the rules and conditions. Check for typos in email addresses and make sure the rule is enabled. Restarting Outlook can also resolve temporary glitches.

Conclusion

Using Conditional Formatting in Outlook is a simple yet effective way to manage your emails. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make emails from specific senders stand out in your inbox. This customization not only helps in organizing your emails but also enhances your productivity by allowing you to focus on what matters most. For more tips on optimizing your Outlook experience, consider exploring other features like Quick Steps and Rules.

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