To remove formatting marks (like paragraph symbols, spaces, and tabs) in Outlook, toggle the "Show/Hide ¶" button. Here's how:
Steps to Hide or Show Formatting Marks:
- Open a Message: This works whether you're composing a new email or replying to/forwarding an existing one.
- Go to the Format Text Tab: In the message window, look for the "Format Text" tab at the top.
- Locate the Paragraph Group: Within the "Format Text" tab, find the "Paragraph" group.
- Click the Show/Hide ¶ Button: This button looks like a backwards "P" (¶). Clicking it will toggle the display of formatting marks on and off. When you hover over it, the tooltip should say "Show/Hide ¶".
Keyboard Shortcut:
You can also use the keyboard shortcut **CTRL + SHIFT + *** (asterisk) to toggle the visibility of these formatting marks.
Why Use Show/Hide Formatting Marks?
Formatting marks can be helpful for:
- Troubleshooting Layout: Identifying extra spaces, tabs, or paragraph breaks that might be causing formatting issues.
- Precise Formatting: Ensuring consistent spacing and alignment.
However, they are generally not needed for everyday email composition and can clutter the screen, so hiding them is often preferred. These marks are only visible to you while editing the email and are never transmitted or displayed to the recipient.
