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nsitedesigns
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Outlook for mac 2011

I have a custom signature which works great when I type a new email.  But, about 50% of the time, when I REPLY to an email, all the customization is wiped out and just text appears.  There are no links, no color changes, no font changes, etc.  Any idea why this is happening and how to make it so that when I click reply that my customized signature block appears?
Email ClientsMicrosoft OfficeOutlookFonts Typography

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nsitedesigns

8/22/2022 - Mon
Edward Pamias

Check the format of the email you are replying to, it may be text not HTML or Rich Text format.
nsitedesigns

ASKER
how do I check that?
Edward Pamias

Click on the Format Text tab and see what is selected.
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nsitedesigns

ASKER
I went to email I know is a problem and clicked on format/text encoding.  Automatic was checked.
Edward Pamias

Here is what I just read...

There is no option in Outlook to change this default; Outlook will always reply and forward in the same format (Plain Text, Rich Text or HTML) of the original message. This is to keep the original message intact, maintain the preference or technical limitation of the original sender.
nsitedesigns

ASKER
Thank you.  So, what does the format automatic mean?  Did they send email from mobile device?
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Edward Pamias

That is just for the color of the font. Which usually defaults to black.
nsitedesigns

ASKER
Sorry,  I am talking about clicking on Format/text Encoding.  Then I get automatic.  Is that the original formatting you were talking about?
Edward Pamias

Can you take a screen shot of what you are looking at please. I may have a different version of outlook and do not see what you are looking at.
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William Peck
nsitedesigns

ASKER
here you go.
screenshot
Edward Pamias

Oh that is just the format of the text for the country you are in, for us is English. Not the same as HTML, Rich Text or Plain Text.
nsitedesigns

ASKER
So back to square one.  How do I tell what format the email is in when it is sent?
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Edward Pamias

When you hit reply on the email, hit the Format Text tab and what ever is highlighted is the format it is being sent back as. So screen shot a reply to an email, block out any confidential info, I just want to see the ribbon above. Also what version of Outlook are you using, yours looks different than mine.
nsitedesigns

ASKER
I am using Outlook for mac 2011.  I don't have a format text tab.
Edward Pamias

ok.... for your version its on the Options tab.
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rwheeler23
nsitedesigns

ASKER
What do I select after I pick options tab?  Nothing seems to bring the customized footer back.
https://screencast.com/t/UAA46LQtGU
Edward Pamias

in that screen shot, I see the format is plain. Click there to change it to HTML.
Edward Pamias

Its on the left hand side of the screen under the word Message.
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nsitedesigns

ASKER
Nothing happens when I change it to html.  see screenshot
https://screencast.com/t/fjB1ndhdwZF
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nsitedesigns

ASKER
I appreciate the extra extra extra effort to locate this info for me.  I have a mac and when I follow the instructions, by clicking on alt+f11 the sound window pops up to control balance, output, etc.  So, my guess is that these instructions are for windows.  Alas, i think I am stuck with having my customized signature box flatten out when someone emails me using a mobile device.  I will give you points for trying.