How to Add Emojis in Outlook
Learn how to insert emojis in Outlook emails using keyboard shortcuts, the Insert menu, the Expressions panel, or AutoCorrect shortcuts. Works for Outlook desktop, web, and mobile.
Quick Answer
To add emojis in Outlook: Press Windows + ; or Windows + . on Windows, or Ctrl + Cmd + Space on Mac. The emoji picker will open at your cursor.
Keyboard shortcuts at a glance:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
The fastest way to insert emojis in Outlook is using your operating system's emoji keyboard shortcut. This works in Outlook desktop, Outlook on the web, and the new Outlook app.
Position your cursor
Click where you want to insert the emoji in your email body or subject line.
Open the emoji picker
Windows: Press Windows + ; (semicolon) or Windows + . (period).
Mac: Press Ctrl + Command + Space.
Find your emoji
Type a keyword (like "smile," "thumbs," or "heart") to search, or browse through the category tabs at the top of the picker.
Click to insert
Click the emoji you want. It will be inserted at your cursor position. You can insert multiple emojis before closing the picker.
Tip: Recent emojis
The emoji picker remembers your recently used emojis, making it faster to find your favorites. They appear at the top of the picker.
Method 3: Expressions Panel
The Expressions panel in Outlook gives you access to emojis, GIFs, and stickers in one place.
Open the compose window
Start a new email or reply to an existing one.
Find the smiley icon or More options
Look for the smiley face icon in the toolbar. If you do not see it, click the three horizontal dots (More options) at the end of the toolbar.
Select Emoji
Click Emoji from the menu. The Expressions panel will open on the right side, showing emojis, GIFs, and more.
Browse and insert
Browse through categories or use the search bar. Click an emoji to insert it into your email.
Method 4: AutoCorrect Shortcuts
Outlook automatically converts certain text shortcuts into emojis as you type. This is the quickest way to add common emojis.
| Type This | Gets Converted To | Description |
|---|---|---|
| :) | 😊 | Smiling face |
| :( | 😞 | Sad face |
| ;) | 😉 | Winking face |
| :D | 😃 | Big grin |
| :P | 😛 | Tongue out |
| :O | 😮 | Surprised |
| <3 | ❤️ | Heart |
Note
AutoCorrect emoji shortcuts work in the email body but may not work in the subject line. Use the keyboard shortcut method for subject lines.
Emojis in Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com)
Outlook.com and Outlook on the web have a dedicated emoji button in the compose toolbar.
Compose an email
Go to outlook.com and click New message.
Click the emoji icon
Look for the smiley face icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the compose window. Click it to open the emoji picker.
Select your emoji
Browse categories or search for an emoji. Click to insert it. You can also access GIFs and stickers from this panel.
Emojis on Mobile (iOS & Android)
On the Outlook mobile app, you can use your device's built-in emoji keyboard.
iPhone / iPad
- 1. Compose an email in the Outlook app
- 2. Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard
- 3. Tap the globe or smiley face icon on the keyboard
- 4. Browse and tap an emoji to insert
Android
- 1. Compose an email in the Outlook app
- 2. Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard
- 3. Tap the smiley face icon (usually bottom left)
- 4. Browse and tap an emoji to insert
Pro Tips for Using Emojis in Outlook
Use emojis in subject lines sparingly
Emojis in subject lines can increase open rates, but use them sparingly. One emoji is usually enough. Too many can look unprofessional or trigger spam filters.
Stick to universal emojis for business
For professional emails, use simple, widely understood emojis like thumbs up, checkmarks, or smiley faces. Avoid complex or ambiguous emojis.
Consider compatibility
Newer emojis may not display correctly on older devices or email clients. Stick to established emojis if you are unsure about your recipients' devices.
Search by keyword for faster access
Instead of scrolling through categories, type a keyword in the emoji picker search. For example, type "fire" to quickly find the flame emoji.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the keyboard shortcut for emojis in Outlook?
On Windows, press Windows + ; (semicolon) or Windows + . (period). On Mac, press Ctrl + Command + Space. This opens the emoji picker at your cursor.
Can I add emojis to the subject line in Outlook?
Yes. Click in the subject line and use the keyboard shortcut (Windows + ; or Ctrl + Cmd + Space) to open the emoji picker. Note that AutoCorrect shortcuts may not work in subject lines.
How do I add emojis in Outlook on the web?
In Outlook.com, click the smiley face icon in the compose toolbar. You can also use the Windows or Mac keyboard shortcut to open the system emoji picker.
Why are my emojis showing as squares or question marks?
This happens when the recipient's device or email client does not support certain emojis. Newer emojis are most likely to cause issues. Stick to common, established emojis for better compatibility.
Does Outlook support GIFs and stickers too?
Yes. The Expressions panel in Outlook provides access to GIFs and stickers in addition to emojis. Click the smiley icon in the toolbar or go to Insert > Emoji to access them.
Are emojis professional in business emails?
It depends on your workplace culture and audience. Simple emojis like thumbs up or smiley faces are generally acceptable in casual business communication. Avoid emojis in formal or external communications unless you know they are appropriate.
Related Tutorials
Create Video Tutorials with Deckoholic
Record your screen, add AI voiceover, and create professional tutorials in minutes. Perfect for team training and documentation.
Try Free