For Outlook 2002 and 2003, what is the default email editor?

In versions of Microsoft Outlook prior to 2002, the default email editor was the Outlook editor. You could change the editor to Microsoft Word if you wished to do so. In Outlook 2002 and 2003, Microsoft Word is the default editor.

Using Word as your email editor

With Word as your email editor, you can take advantage of features such as the following:

• AutoCorrect as you write: Automatically correct common typos, such as transposed letters and extra or missing letters.
  
  
• Automatic spelling and grammar checking: Check your spelling and grammar while you work. Misspelled or misused words are underlined and alternatives appear, reducing the need to check spelling and grammar before you send a message.
  
  
• Automatic bullets and numbering: Add bullets and numbering to highlight important points. Use a picture or other graphic as a bullet, or create a hierarchical list that has numbered items.
  
  
• Tables: Use tables to organize your information. When you use Word as your email editor and HTML as the default message format, Outlook preserves table formatting, even for recipients who do not use Word.
  
  
• Conversion of email names and Internet addresses: Automatically convert email names and Internet addresses to hyperlinks. Smart hyperlink formatting can even convert hyperlinks whose URLs contain spaces.
  
  
• Themes: Use Word themes to provide visual consistency and to make your messages stand out.
  
  
• Autoformat: Format your message automatically as you type, and add formatting to plain text messages that you receive.

In addition, you can set some options in Outlook that previously were available only in Word. For example, if Word is set as your email editor, you can create and set a default signature or stationery from Outlook. You can also specify some spell checker options and fonts for new messages and messages you forward or reply to. If you change these options from Word, they change the equivalent settings in Outlook, and vice versa. Even if you turn off Word as your email editor, you can use it only for viewing messages that you receive, preserving formatting that might otherwise be lost.

Regardless of the email editor you use, Microsoft Outlook can send and receive messages in HTML, plain text, and Rich Text Format (RTF). For more information about these formats, see In Outlook, what message formats are available, and how can I change formats?

Also see:

• In Microsoft Outlook 2000 and later for Windows, how do I turn Wordmail on or off?
• In Microsoft Outlook 2000, 2002, or 2003, why is the email I forward formatted strangely?
• In Microsoft Outlook 2002 and earlier for Windows, when making changes to the body of replies, how do I keep Outlook from inserting my name?
• In Microsoft Outlook 2000 and later, how can I change my default font and color for replies?
• In Outlook, what message formats are available, and how can I change formats?