Outlook 365 is a powerhouse of productivity, but did you know you can tailor its appearance to suit your preferences? One of the ways to personalize your Outlook experience is by changing the color scheme. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of personality or create a visual distinction between accounts, adjusting the color scheme can make a significant impact. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the color scheme in Outlook 365 to enhance your user experience.

Why Change the Color Scheme in Outlook 365?

• Personalization: Changing the color scheme allows you to infuse your personal style into the Outlook interface. Whether you prefer a vibrant palette or a more muted tone, customizing the colors helps make Outlook feel like yours.
• Visual Organization: If you manage multiple email accounts or calendars within Outlook 365, assigning distinct colors to each account or category can aid in visual organization. It provides a quick and easy way to identify the source of emails or events.
• Reducing Eye Strain: Personalizing the color scheme can contribute to a more comfortable viewing experience. Choosing colors that are easy on the eyes can reduce eye strain during long periods of email correspondence or calendar management.
• Enhanced Productivity: A thoughtfully selected color scheme can create a visually pleasing environment, positively impacting your mood and productivity. A workspace that resonates with your preferences can make your time in Outlook more enjoyable and efficient.

Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of changing the color scheme in Outlook 365.

Step 1: Open Outlook 365

Launch Outlook 365 and log in to your account.

Step 2: Navigate to the “File” Tab

In the top left corner of the Outlook window, locate and click on the “File” tab. This will take you to the Outlook backstage area.

Step 3: Access the “Options” Menu

Within the File tab, find and click on “Options” at the bottom of the list. This opens the Outlook Options window.

Step 4: Choose the “General” Category

In the Outlook Options window, you’ll see several categories on the left side. Select the “General” category to reveal general settings.

Step 5: Locate the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” Section

Scroll down until you find the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section. Here, you’ll find the option to change the color scheme.

Step 6: Choose a Color Scheme

Within the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, look for the “Office Theme” dropdown menu. Click on the dropdown menu to reveal the available color scheme options. Outlook 365 typically offers three choices: Colorful, Dark Gray, and White.

• Colorful: A vibrant and visually engaging color palette.
• Dark Gray: A more subdued, professional, and dark-themed option.
• White: A classic and clean white-themed appearance.

Step 7: Confirm Your Selection

After selecting your preferred color scheme, click “OK” at the bottom of the Outlook Options window to confirm and apply the changes.

Step 8: Restart Outlook

To see the changes take effect, close and restart Outlook 365.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed the color scheme in Outlook 365. Feel free to explore each color scheme option to find the one that best suits your preferences and enhances your overall user experience.

Bonus Tip: Customizing Categories with Colors

Beyond the overall color scheme, you can take personalization a step further by assigning specific colors to categories. This is particularly useful for distinguishing between different email accounts or types of events in your calendar.

Assigning Colors to Categories:

1. Go to the Calendar View: Click on the “Calendar” icon in the bottom left corner to switch to the Calendar view.
2. Click on “Categorize”: Select an event, right-click, and choose “Categorize.” Here, you can assign a category and choose a color for that category.
3. Customize Categories: To create a new category or modify existing ones, click on “Categorize” and choose “All Categories.” Here, you can add, delete, or edit categories and their associated colors.

This additional customization allows you to visually organize and distinguish between various elements in your Outlook calendar.

Conclusion

Personalizing your Outlook 365 experience by changing the color scheme not only adds a touch of individuality but also contributes to a more organized and visually pleasing workspace. Whether you opt for a colorful, dark, or classic white theme, the ability to customize your Outlook environment enhances your overall user experience. Experiment with different color schemes and category customizations to create a workspace that aligns with your preferences, making your time in Outlook more enjoyable and efficient.