How Do I Change The Layout Of Outlook?

In Outlook, you can change the layout by adjusting the main viewing areas, such as the Reading Pane, Folder Pane, and Ribbon.

The specific steps vary slightly between the classic Outlook desktop application and the newer Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web.

For the classic Outlook desktop app

The classic desktop application features a comprehensive "View" tab on the ribbon for easy access to all layout settings.

Adjust the Reading Pane

This is the area that previews an email without opening it fully.

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Click Reading Pane in the Layout group.
3. Choose your desired position:
   • Right: Displays the preview to the right of your message list.
   • Bottom: Shows the preview below your message list.
   • Off: Hides the preview pane completely.

Modify the Folder Pane

The Folder Pane, which contains your inbox and other mail folders, can be minimized or hidden.

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Click Folder Pane.
3. Select Normal, Minimized, or Off to hide it.

Use different views

Outlook provides several preset arrangements for your inbox items.

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Click Change View in the Current View group.
3. Select one of the following:
   • Compact: The default view, which provides a compact list of messages.
   • Single: Displays only one email at a time in the list pane.
   • Preview: Shows a snippet of each message's content.

Customize columns and sorting

You can add, remove, and reorder the information columns in the message list.

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Click View Settings in the Current View group.
3. Select Columns to add or remove specific data fields.
4. You can also adjust sorting and grouping from the View Settings window.

Edit the To-Do Bar

This optional sidebar shows your calendar, tasks, or contacts.

1. Go to the View tab.
2. Click To-Do Bar in the Layout group.
3. Choose which elements you want to display, such as Calendar, Tasks, or People.

Move the Navigation Pane

You can reposition the navigation bar (with icons for Mail, Calendar, etc.) to the bottom of the screen.

1. Go to File > Options > Advanced.
2. Under Outlook panes, uncheck the box for Show Apps in Outlook.
3. Click OK and restart Outlook.

For new Outlook and Outlook on the web

The latest versions of Outlook provide a simplified interface, with layout options found under the Settings gear icon.

Adjust the main layout

1. Click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Mail > Layout.
3. From here, you can adjust various settings:
   • Reading Pane: Set its position to Right, Bottom, or Hide.
   • Message Organization: Group messages by conversation or show them individually.
   • Focused Inbox: Turn this feature on or off to sort your mail into "Focused" and "Other" tabs.

Change the Ribbon style

You can switch between a simple, streamlined ribbon and the more detailed classic version.

1. Click the View tab.
2. On the far right of the ribbon, click the Ribbon display options button (a downward caret).
3. Toggle between Simplified ribbon and Classic ribbon.

Adjust display density

Control the spacing between messages in your list for better readability.

1. On the View tab, click the Density button.
2. Choose Roomy, Cozy, or Compact.

Customize the ribbon (simplified version)

In the new Outlook, you can rearrange and customize the simplified ribbon to surface the most-used commands.

1. Click the three dots (...) on the right side of the simplified ribbon.
2. Click Customize to add, remove, and reorder buttons.