07:05
Faizan
Most email programs have the option to change the font and format of the default text; computers also have master text settings. Occasionally, the settings can be inadvertently changed, leaving your text in all caps and underlined. Usually, the solution is simple and quick, and doesn't require extensive computer expertise.
Email Settings
The first step in solving an email text formatting problem is to check the text settings. The location of the formatting option is different for each email program. To remove all-caps and underlining in Gmail, go to the toolbar at the top of the message window and hit the button that says "Plain Text." In Outlook, go to Options > Themes > Theme Fonts. If an all-caps, underlined theme font is selected, it will apply to all of the text in your message. Most email programs offer a plain text option that will remove formatting.
Browser Text Settings
If you are using an Internet browser to view a Web-based email program like Hotmail or Gmail, the browser's text settings may be causing the font problem. Most browsers allow you to change the way text is displayed. In Safari, for example, the Safari > Preferences > Appearance tab has the option to change the size and font for the standard font and the fixed-width font. In Internet Explorer, the option is found under Tools > Internet Options > General > Fonts.
Copied and Pasted Text
When you copy and paste text into an email window, the text styles may also be copied. When you type after the text, the words you type will retain the pasted settings. If you have lifted some formatted text from a source and pasted it directly into your email, it may be the culprit. Even if you delete the pasted text, the email may retain the format settings. You can remove the formatting from text by pasting the entire message into a text editor and converting it to plain text. Copy and paste the plain text into a new email message, and the formatting problem will be gone.
Keyboard Shortcuts
If you cannot find the text settings for your email program or if you cannot isolate the problem, keyboard shortcuts may be able to help. To test, select a block of text. With the text still selected, hold down the Ctrl key and push the "u" key. This action should remove the underlined format. To remove the all-caps formatting, hit the Caps Lock key or hold down the Ctrl key, Shift key and the "a" key at the same time.
Email Settings
The first step in solving an email text formatting problem is to check the text settings. The location of the formatting option is different for each email program. To remove all-caps and underlining in Gmail, go to the toolbar at the top of the message window and hit the button that says "Plain Text." In Outlook, go to Options > Themes > Theme Fonts. If an all-caps, underlined theme font is selected, it will apply to all of the text in your message. Most email programs offer a plain text option that will remove formatting.
Browser Text Settings
If you are using an Internet browser to view a Web-based email program like Hotmail or Gmail, the browser's text settings may be causing the font problem. Most browsers allow you to change the way text is displayed. In Safari, for example, the Safari > Preferences > Appearance tab has the option to change the size and font for the standard font and the fixed-width font. In Internet Explorer, the option is found under Tools > Internet Options > General > Fonts.
Copied and Pasted Text
When you copy and paste text into an email window, the text styles may also be copied. When you type after the text, the words you type will retain the pasted settings. If you have lifted some formatted text from a source and pasted it directly into your email, it may be the culprit. Even if you delete the pasted text, the email may retain the format settings. You can remove the formatting from text by pasting the entire message into a text editor and converting it to plain text. Copy and paste the plain text into a new email message, and the formatting problem will be gone.
Keyboard Shortcuts
If you cannot find the text settings for your email program or if you cannot isolate the problem, keyboard shortcuts may be able to help. To test, select a block of text. With the text still selected, hold down the Ctrl key and push the "u" key. This action should remove the underlined format. To remove the all-caps formatting, hit the Caps Lock key or hold down the Ctrl key, Shift key and the "a" key at the same time.
