Change File Type and Save as Default in Outlook: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you tired of manually changing the file type every time you save a document in Outlook? Do you wish there was a more efficient way to manage your files? Look no further! In this detailed guide, I will walk you through the process of changing the file type and setting it as the default in Outlook. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to save time and streamline your workflow.
Understanding File Types in Outlook
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand what file types are and how they work in Outlook. A file type is a set of characters at the end of a file name that tells your computer which program to use to open the file. For example, a file with a “.docx” extension is a Microsoft Word document, while a file with a “.pdf” extension is a PDF document.
Outlook allows you to save emails, contacts, and calendar events as various file types, such as “.msg” for emails, “.ics” for calendar events, and “.csv” for contacts. By default, Outlook saves these files in their respective formats, but you can change this setting to suit your needs.
Changing the File Type of a Saved Item
When you save an item in Outlook, you can change its file type by following these steps:
- Open the item you want to save.
- Click on the “File” tab in the ribbon at the top of the Outlook window.
- Select “Save As” from the dropdown menu.
- In the “Save As” dialog box, choose the location where you want to save the file.
- Enter a file name for the item.
- Click on the “Save As Type” dropdown menu and select the desired file type from the list.
- Click “Save” to save the item with the new file type.
For example, if you want to save an email as a PDF, select “.pdf” from the “Save As Type” dropdown menu. This will convert the email into a PDF file that you can open with any PDF reader.
Setting a Default File Type in Outlook
By default, Outlook saves items in their respective formats. However, you can set a default file type for specific items, such as emails, contacts, or calendar events. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Outlook Options dialog box by clicking on the “File” tab and selecting “Options” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Outlook Options dialog box, click on the “Advanced” tab.
- Under the “Save messages in this format” section, select the desired file type from the dropdown menu.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
This will set the selected file type as the default for all new items you create in Outlook. For example, if you select “.pdf” as the default file type, all new emails you create will be saved as PDF files.
Table: Common File Types in Outlook
File Type | Description |
---|---|
.msg | Outlook email message |
.ics | Outlook calendar event |
.csv | Comma-separated values (for contacts and tasks) |
Portable Document Format | |
.docx | Microsoft Word document |
.xlsx | Microsoft Excel spreadsheet |
Customizing File Types in Outlook
Outlook allows you to customize the file types available in the “Save As Type” dropdown menu. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the