Mar 11 2011

Outlook Quick Parts

Published by at 1:39 am under How To,Outlook

Today I was introduced to a feature of Outlook that has been around since Outlook 2007 but some how I missed it. The feature (as the title says) is called Quick Parts and it allows you to bring in blocks of predefined text in to a email quickly. So if you are adding the same block of text to a email over and over this is for you! I really wish I had found this a long time ago I can’t say how many time before a SoCal Code Camp I wind up answering the same type of questions.

So why have I never seen this feature? Will the truth is I was most likely asleep at the wheel at some point but it’s also quite hidden.

Outllok_Insert_Quick_Parts

As you can see from the image above (click to see full size) the “Quick Parts” drop down is on the Insert tab (seen in red) in Outlook and I don’t know about you but I don’t spend much time looking at anything other than the Message tab. You can also see I have added it to the Quick Access Toolbar at the top (seen in dark yellow) so I don’t have to switch to the Insert tab to add or create a Quick Part.

Outllok_Insert_Create_Quick_Parts

You can see in this image that I have opened a email and am adding a “Building Block” in the Quick Parts Gallery (not sure what that implies but that is for another day). I then added a Category of “Work” where I want the block to reside. Now I  can use this as a template for an event repost that I use from work.

To use this new Quick Part all I have to do is open a new email and either go to the Insert tab and press Quick Part or for me press the Quick Part button that I have added to my Quick Access Toolbar.

Outllok_Insert_Insert_Quick_Parts

I hope this will help you as much as I am sure it will help me for more information you can see the blog post Living in Outlook: Using Quick Parts by the Outlook Team.

Update: I also have found you can right on one of your Quick Parts to get a menu where you get some neat options. (ok and I fixed some spelling as well<g>)

Outllok_Insert_Manage_Quick_Parts

2 responses so far

2 Responses to “Outlook Quick Parts”

  1. Reminds me of the Text Template plug-in for Windows Live Writer, which is a real time-saver. I’ll have to look into Quick Parts…probably something I’ll use regularly.

    Thanks!

  2. woodyp says:

    Thanks Andrew, I did not know about the Text Template plug-in for Windows Live Writer until now.