How to Edit the HTML Source of a Message in Windows Mail or Outlook Express

Why Edit the HTML Source of Emails?

If you compose a rich HTML message in Windows Mail or Outlook Express, you can do a lot with the formatting toolbar, but you cannot do everything that HTML has to offer.

With access to the HTML source, you can. And if you are using Outlook Express stationery that does not work out of the box, editing the source is a must. Now here's how to do it:

Edit the HTML Source of a Message in Windows Mail or Outlook Express

To edit the HTML source code of a message you are composing in Windows Mail or Outlook Express:

• ›› Step by Step Screenshot Walkthrough

• Select View | Source Edit from the message's menu.
• Click on the Source tab at the bottom of the window.
• Now, edit the HTML source as much as you like.

To return to the default Windows Mail or Outlook Express composition window, go to the Edit tab.

Turn Off HTML Code Highlighting

If you find the default HTML source highlighting distracting, you can turn it off.