Editing an Outlook email is a simple task that can be accomplished in just a few steps. If you’ve sent an email and noticed a mistake, or just need to update the information, you can easily go back and make changes. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to edit your Outlook emails quickly and efficiently.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Edit Outlook Email
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to note that you can only edit emails that are still in your “Drafts” folder or have not yet been sent. If the email has already been sent, unfortunately, you cannot edit it. But if it’s still in the drafting stage, here’s how you can make changes:
Step 1: Open the Outlook Application
Open the Outlook application on your computer.
When you open Outlook, you’ll be greeted with your inbox. From there, you’ll need to navigate to your “Drafts” folder, which is where your unsent emails are stored.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Drafts’ Folder
Click on the ‘Drafts’ folder to view all draft emails.
The “Drafts” folder is typically located on the left side of the screen, amongst other folders like “Inbox,” “Sent Items,” and “Deleted Items.” Any email that you’ve started but haven’t sent will be in this folder.
Step 3: Select the Email You Want to Edit
Double-click on the email you wish to edit.
Once you’ve found the email you need to edit, double-clicking on it will open it up in a new window, allowing you to make changes.
Step 4: Make Your Edits
Make the necessary changes to your email content.
Whether you need to correct a typo, add additional information, or change the recipient’s email address, you can do so in this step. You can edit the subject line, the body of the email, and even add or remove attachments.
Step 5: Save the Changes
Click ‘Save’ to save the changes or click ‘Send’ if you’re ready to send the email.
After you’ve made your edits, don’t forget to save your changes. If you’re ready to send the email, you can click the “Send” button instead, and your updated email will be on its way.
After completing these steps, your Outlook email will be updated with the changes you’ve made. If you’ve hit “Send,” it’ll make its way to the recipient’s inbox with the new content.
Tips for Editing Outlook Email
- Make sure to double-check your email for any spelling or grammatical errors before sending.
- If you’re adding new recipients, double-check their email addresses to ensure they’re correct.
- Use the formatting options available in Outlook to make your email look professional.
- If you’re editing a time-sensitive email, be mindful of the time it takes to make your edits and send it promptly.
- Before making major changes, consider saving a copy of the original draft in case you need to revert back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit an email after it has been sent?
No, once an email is sent, it cannot be edited. The recipient will receive the email as it was when you clicked “Send.”
How do I access the ‘Drafts’ folder on Outlook?
The “Drafts” folder is typically located on the left side of your Outlook window, along with other folders like “Inbox” and “Sent Items.”
Can I edit the email subject line in Outlook?
Yes, you can edit the subject line by clicking into it and making your changes, just like you would with the body of the email.
Is it possible to add attachments to an email I’m editing?
Absolutely! You can add attachments by either dragging and dropping files into the email or using the “Attach File” button.
How do I save changes to an email draft in Outlook?
After making your changes, click the “Save” button located in the upper-left corner of the email window. If you’re ready to send, click “Send” instead.
Summary
- Open the Outlook application.
- Navigate to the ‘Drafts’ folder.
- Select the email you want to edit.
- Make the necessary changes.
- Save the changes or send the email.
Conclusion
Editing an Outlook email can be a walk in the park if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re polishing up a draft or adding some last-minute details, Outlook’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to ensure your emails are just the way you want them before they hit someone else’s inbox. Remember, the key is to catch those drafts before they’re sent, as there’s no turning back once they are. So next time you’re about to send an email, take a moment to review it one last time – your future self (and your recipients) will thank you. Keep these tips and steps in mind for a smoother, error-free email experience with Outlook.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.