- Outlook allows you to insert emojis using shortcuts, Symbols and autocorrect.
- There are advanced options such as the side panel or insertion from Bing.
- Using emojis in professional contexts requires moderation and judgment.
- If they do not display correctly, it may be due to the absence of Unicode fonts.
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Who hasn't wanted to give an email a more human or expressive touch? Using emojis in our written communications may seem trivial, but the truth is, they can make a big difference depending on the context, especially in informal messages or to build rapport with colleagues. If you're an Outlook user looking for ways to add these little symbols to your messages, you've come to the right place.
Outlook offers multiple ways to insert emojis into your emails, whether you're using the web version, the desktop version, or the mobile app.. From keyboard shortcuts to side search panels, today we explain all the possibilities so you can communicate with more emotion, clarity, and professionalism.
Top Methods to Insert Emojis in Outlook
Outlook has evolved and now integrates different ways to add emojis, adapting to the device and operating system you use. Here we've compiled all the available methods so you can choose the one that best suits you.
1. Use the Windows emoji picker
One of the most direct and convenient ways to insert emojis in Outlook is Windows 10 and 11 is through the emoji selector integrated into the operating systemThis method is compatible with both the web and desktop versions.
- Place the cursor where you want to insert the emoji.
- Press the Windows + . (period) key combination, and the Windows emoji picker will automatically open.
- Choose the emoji you wantYou can browse by category or even type a word to find the exact symbol.
- To close the selector, press the “Esc” key or click on the “×”.
This system is very versatile, as it remains active in almost any text field in the operating system.
2. Outlook AutoCorrect: Type the symbol and it becomes an emoji
Outlook has an autocorrect feature that automatically converts character sequences into emojis.. For example, if you write :-)
, this is transformed into a smiley face (😊) thanks to the Unicode codes incorporated in the Segoe UI Emoji font.
:)
→ 😊;)
→ 😉:D
→ 😃:O
→ 😮<3
→ ❤️
It is an especially useful method if you are already used to the classics emoticons of text and want to type quickly without having to manually search for emoji. You can also find interesting task-organizing programs that will help you be more efficient in your communications.
3. “Insert” menu and symbols option
From the “Insert” tab in the Outlook top menu, you can also add emojis as symbols.This system is particularly useful in versions 2016, 2019, 2021, and Outlook 365.
This is the step-by-step process:
- Click on "Insert” and then in “More symbols".
- Select the source “Segoe UI Emoji".
- Change the subset to “Various symbols” or simply navigate to the emoticons section.
- Select the desired emoji and press “Insert”.
This method may seem more technical, but it gives access to a wide variety of visual symbols and colors..
Other handy ways to add emojis in Outlook
In addition to the standard methods mentioned above, there are several alternatives and customizations you can apply to further enrich your messages.
4. Create your own emoji keyboard shortcuts
Do you always use the same emojis? Then this option is for you. Outlook allows you to create custom shortcuts using the autocorrect feature to associate an abbreviation with a specific emoji.
This is how you can do it:
- Go to the symbols menu and choose an emoji.
- Click on "Auto correction".
- In the countryside "Replace”, type a combination of letters such as “lol”.
- Click “Add” and then “OK.”
From now on, when you type that combination and press the space bar, the associated emoji will be automatically inserted.
5. Insert emoji images from Bing or the Internet
If you want to add a special or more elaborate emoji that doesn't appear in the default list, you can do this by inserting an image from the Bing search engine or another source.
- Click on "Insert”>“Online Images".
- Type “emoji” into the search engine.
- Make sure you have the “Creative Commons only"to avoid rights problems.
- Select the emoji you like and press “Insert.”
6. Use the new side panel in Outlook (Outlook 365 and Web)
The latest versions of the Outlook client, including New Outlook and Outlook Web, have an alternative way to insert emojis directly from the side panel.
You just have to:
- Type a colon “:” and several suggested emojis will automatically appear.
- If you can't find the right one, click the three dots “…” to display the full sidebar with all available options.
- Use the search engine to filter emojis by keywords.
This method is fast, visual and intuitive, similar to many apps courier.
Tips for using emojis properly in Outlook
Inserting emojis into your Outlook emails can be a great way to add emotion, clarity, and closeness, but There are also certain unwritten rules that you should keep in mind so that they don't work against you..
- Assess the professional contextNot all work environments accept emojis equally. In positions of responsibility or formal communications, their use can seem frivolous.
- Avoid excessesOverusing emojis can clutter your message or make your email lose focus. A couple of well-placed emojis can have more impact than a barrage of smiley faces.
- Respect cultural differences: Some emojis can be interpreted differently depending on the country or culture of the recipient.
- Use universal and positive emojis: It is preferable to use those that are easily recognizable and have cheerful or neutral connotations.
What to do if emojis don't display correctly?
Some users may experience issues when viewing emojis in their emails. This is usually due to incompatibilities with installed fonts, older versions of Outlook, or OS , the Windows 7.
Possible solutions:
- Check recipient compatibility: Make sure you have a modern version of Outlook or a client that supports Unicode.
- Check the Segoe UI Emoji font: This font is required for emojis to display in color. If it's corrupted or missing, run the system file checker (sfc /scannow).
- Use emojis in image format when there are doubts about compatibility.
Comparison with other email platforms
While Outlook offers multiple options, Other email platforms have also optimized the use of emojisHere is a brief comparison:
- gmail: It includes a very accessible emoji keyboard from its toolbar.
- Yahoo Mail: Its interface allows you to insert emojis and GIFs in a very visual way.
- Zoho Mail: In addition to emojis, it allows you to customize signatures with icons.
- Protonmail: It offers a basic, but functional, experience for inserting emojis.
On any of these platforms, the use of emojis follows the same logic: adding expressiveness without compromising professionalism or clarity.Outlook gives you tons of options for adding emoji, from quicker methods like keyboard shortcuts to more comprehensive features like symbol menus or autocorrect customization. Taking advantage of these tools not only improves your communication, but also It allows you to connect with your contacts in a more empathetic and human way.. Of course, always do so with discretion and remember that sometimes a simple smile can say more than a paragraph.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.