'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Display the Ruler When Composing Emails in Outlook
Question details
The user wants to enable the ruler tool to format text and align elements while writing a new email message in Microsoft Outlook.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Composing a new email and needing the ruler for precise formatting.
- Observed behavior
- The ruler is not visible by default, and the setting is missing for users operating on New Outlook or Outlook on the Web.
Verify which version of Outlook you are currently using. The ruler feature is only supported in the classic Outlook for Windows desktop application and is not available in New Outlook or Outlook on the web.
Add the Ruler to the Quick Access Toolbar in Classic Outlook
Use the Outlook Options menu to add the Ruler command directly to your Quick Access Toolbar for easy access when composing emails.
By customizing the Quick Access Toolbar in classic Outlook, you can pin the Ruler command to your window. This allows you to toggle the ruler on and off instantly whenever you are drafting a new message.
Launch your classic Outlook desktop application and click on 'New Email' in the Home tab to open the composition window.
In the new email window, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner and select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Outlook Options dialog box, select 'Quick Access Toolbar' from the left pane.
Under the 'Choose commands from' drop-down menu, select 'Commands Not in the Ribbon'. Scroll down the alphabetical list, select 'Ruler', click the 'Add >>' button in the middle, and then click 'OK'.
Switch from New Outlook to Classic Outlook
Since New Outlook does not support the ruler, you must revert to the classic version of the application to utilize this formatting tool.
Experience a Seamless and User-Friendly Office Suite with WPS Office
Frustrated by missing features or confusing interface changes in new software updates? WPS Office provides a stable, feature-rich, and familiar interface for all your document processing needs. It is a highly compatible and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.
- 1. Visit the Official Website: Go to wps.com to download the latest free version of the WPS Office suite.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the application.
- 3. Enjoy Seamless Compatibility: Open your existing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations instantly with full Microsoft Office format support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'File' menu missing when I click New Email in Outlook?
If you do not see the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the new email window, you are likely using New Outlook or Outlook on the web. The traditional 'File' tab—and the ruler customization feature—are exclusive to the classic Outlook desktop application.
Can I enable the ruler in New Outlook or Outlook on the web?
No, the ruler feature is currently not supported in New Outlook or Outlook on the web. If you require this tool for formatting, you must switch back to the classic Outlook application.
How do I show a hidden Quick Access Toolbar in Outlook?
To unhide your Quick Access Toolbar in classic Outlook, simply right-click anywhere on the empty space of the top ribbon and select 'Show Quick Access Toolbar' from the context menu.
