What's the easiest way to compose HTML messages in Outlook 2003?

January 10, 2005 2:37 PM

What's the easiest way to compose HTML messages in Outlook 2003? I know I can go to the format menu and choose between plain text, HTML or Rich Text, but choosing HTML just gives me access to some really lame formatting tools. I'd like to be able to enter/edit source code directly for the body of the message.
posted by willnot to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

My experience from a couple years ago is that you can't easily compose HTML messages in Outlook -- try Outlook Express instead. It allows you to switch into the "Source" view and edit the HTML directly.
posted by sfluke20 at 3:25 PM on January 10, 2005

I did find a way around this a while ago, but it's complicated. Basically, I wrote my email as html in notepad, saved it, opened it in word, and then used that to work in Outlook. If you see what I mean.
posted by ascullion at 3:53 PM on January 10, 2005

Ugh.

HTML email is evil. Particularly from Outlook. Note that whatever you do, no matter how much time you spend on it, it will not reliably render on anything. Heck, at work we filter HTML email to plain text at the server.
posted by krisjohn at 6:27 PM on January 10, 2005

Best answer: Here's how you do it:

First, compose the HTML file in whatever editor you like.

Next, open a new email message, using HTML formatting. Go to INSERT, then FILE. Select the HTML file you wish to use, then where the button says INSERT, click the DOWN ARROW next to it and select INSERT AS TEXT. That should do the trick.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:37 PM on January 10, 2005

HTML email is evil. Particularly from Outlook. Note that whatever you do, no matter how much time you spend on it, it will not reliably render on anything.

Also note that Outlook itself will probably mangle the HTML somewhat as the email goes out.
posted by weston at 9:02 PM on January 10, 2005

Response by poster: Thanks Civil_Disobedient - that sort of did the trick. At least it's close enough.
posted by willnot at 9:29 AM on January 11, 2005