Check spelling before sending a message

Classic Microsoft 365 Outlook: Use Editor when drafting a message 

If you have Outlook for Microsoft 365, you have access to Microsoft Editor.

1. When drafting an email, using the simplified ribbon, select the (...) overflow menu. In Classic ribbon select Editor.

2. Review the suggestions in the Editor pane.

Classic Outlook 2019-2016: Use Spelling & Grammar

To keep the Spelling & Grammar command always within reach, you can add it to the Quick Access Toolbar

If you don’t want to check spelling manually for every message—or you’re worried you might forget!—you can set Outlook to check spelling for you every time.

1. Click File > Options > Mail.

2. Under Compose messages, check the Always check spelling before sending box.

Now when you click Send, Outlook checks spelling automatically. If there are no spelling mistakes, it sends the message right away. If you change your mind and want to edit the message some more, click Cancel to stop the spell check, and then click No.

Looking for spellcheck instructions for Microsoft 365 Outlook - Outlook on the web or Outlook.com? See Check spelling, grammar, and clarity in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web.

Use Editor when drafting a message 

1. To use Editor, on the Message tab in the Options group, select Editor.

2. The Editor pane categorizes spelling, grammar, and stylistic issues.

   

3. Click each category to address the issues.

   Note: If you change your mind about an issue you ignored, close and reopen the document, and go back to Editor. Editor will find the issue again.

Review suggestions

To focus on the issues you care most about, choose a correction or refinement type, like Grammar or Clarity. Then, use the arrows near the top of the pane to step through each of that type of issue.

Choose a suggestion to incorporate it into your document. If you don't like the suggestion, choose Ignore Once. Or, if you never want this type of suggestion, choose Don't check for this issue.

Turn specific Editor suggestion types on or off

1. While in an email draft, in the simplified ribbon, select the (...) overflow menu.
   In Classic ribbon, select the Editor icon. 

2. Using the menu list, select Editor > Editor Settings.
   
    

3. The Microsoft Editor Settings panel is displayed. Select the buttons on or off per your preferences. If needed, you can select Reset to default.  
   
    

4. Select OK to return to your draft.

Manage the Editor suggestions 

As you compose your email, Microsoft Editor provides a real-time tally of suggested edits. This number appears below the email composition area. When no suggestions are identified, the Editor icon appears in the same location. 
 
Selecting either of these icons will open the Editor panel. 

You can disable the display of the Editor suggestions count as follows. 

1. In the Outlook ribbon, select the (...) overflow menu.

2. In the overflow menu list, select Editor.

3. In the adjacent list, select Hide suggestions count.

Change the proofing language

When drafting an email, using the simplified ribbon, select the (...) overflow menu. In Classic ribbon select Editor. 

1. Proceed to Editor > Editor Settings.

2. Locate the Proofing language box.

3. Select the down arrow to display the list of available languages.

4. Scroll as needed to locate and select a language.

5. Allow some time for the system to recheck with the newly selected language.