# Format in OE

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/format-in-oe/227771
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [February 6, 2004, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/format-in-oe/227771 "2004-02-06T01:56:25Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)
#### Post date: [February 6, 2004, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/format-in-oe/227771/1 "2004-02-06T01:56:25Z")

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I have Windows ME and OE 6.1. Sometimes OE will gray out the font in the format toolbox and I can’t then set off text or italicize. When I type it the way I want in Word and copy it, OE deletes the font and uses regular type without any set off. I checked the Help in OE, and it says:

> [@](#):
>
> To change the font, style, and size of text
> 
> You can change the way the text looks for all your messages or you can make changes to selected text within a message.
> 
> To change the text style for all messages
> 
> On the Tools menu, click Options.  
> On the Compose tab, click Font Settings.  
> To format text within individual messages
> 
> Select the text you want to format.  
> (To change the font for an entire message, on the Edit menu, click Select All.)
> 
> On the formatting toolbar, click the buttons for the options you want.  
> Notes
> 
> If you have trouble formatting, make sure HTML formatting is turned on by clicking the Format menu in a new message window and then clicking Rich Text (HTML). A black dot appears by the command when it is selected.

I checked and the Rich Text (HTML) has the black dot. Before I posted this, I attempted to access the font, and it was grayed out. I attempted several times, and finally on my last attempt, it appeared.

I also checked the Internet Options in Internet Explorer \> Accessibility and no “Ignore Formatting” box was checked.