Using Stationery

For the PC:

Also see the procedure on using Signatures, another way to create a sort of template. This is an advanced procedure and involves editing an HTML file if you want to customize the stationery.

Stationery is designed to make your e-mail look like a piece of stationery, with a pretty picture on the top or covering the entire page. However, you can use stationery to create a template. The HTML file gives you more control over formatting. However, some people may not be able to read the HTML file.

Choose Tools > Options and click the Compose tab.

To start with an existing stationery, in the Stationery section, check Mail and choose Select. (If you don't see a preview, check Show Preview.) Choose the stationery you want. To add standard text or anything else you want, click Edit. Make the desired changes and save the file. (If the file doesn't open in the program you want to use for editing the HTML file, you'll have to click the arrow to the right of the Look In drop-down list and write down the full location of the stationery files, then open your HTML editing program and select and open that file.)

To create a new stationery, check Mail and click Create New in the Stationery section of the Compose tab to start the Stationery Startup Wizard. On the Background screen you can uncheck Picture if you don't want a picture, or select a picture from the list, or click Browse to pick any picture you have available. You can also set a background color. On the Font screen you can format the text font, size, and color. On the Margins screen, you can specify left and top margins. On the Complete screen, give the stationery a name so you can choose it easily when you create e-mail messages. Back in the Options dialog box, click Select and choose the new stationery you created. Click OK twice. Of course, you can edit this HTML file in your favorite HTML editing program.

For the Mac:

The Mac version doesn't have stationery, but you can format your e-mail as HTML and format it. However, you cannot edit ann HTML file in an HTML editor. To use HTML, choose Edit > Preferences and click the Compose tab. Under messages, choose HTML from the Mail format drop-down list, and click OK.

To format the page, use the formatting toolbar above the message you are creating. The paint bucket button creates a background.

If you can find a way to send HTML files as e-mail in the Mac version of Outlook Express, please let us know at computerhelpdesk@mum.edu .