Complete Guide to Create OFT File in Outlook
An Overview of OFT File Format
OFT stands for Outlook File Template, and as the name suggests, it is a predesigned template for creating an email, contact, calendar, journal, task, or note. Simply put, this pre-made template can be used as a foundation to start any new Outlook item.
Depending on the type of Outlook item you are creating, an OFT file can contain different components such as a subject line, message body, recipient information, file attachments, appointment or meeting information, custom fields, CC and BCC fields, and task information. In summation, OFT files hold an important place for users. Furthermore, there are many reasons that elucidate the importance of OFT files. Now, let us move on and see how you can create an OFT in your Windows Outlook application.
Top Reasons to Create an OFT Template in Outlook
- Creating an OFT file in Outlook is very beneficial for users as it removes the need to repeat the same thing over and over again. Instead of writing the same information every time, users can simply open the OFT file, make small changes, and send the email. It also saves time.
- This streamlines the workflow, allowing you to send emails much faster, which is essential for recurring communications like welcome emails, weekly reports, event invitations, or internal announcements.
- It is compatible with both technical and non-technical background users. Creating an OFT file in Outlook is very simple, which is why it is easier and more shareable for users to create an OFT file in Outlook.
- In OFT files, the user can set rules so that emails look the same across different versions of Outlook, keeping the email’s appearance consistent and making it look more professional.
How to Create OFT File in Outlook?
- Firstly, run Outlook on your system & choose “New Email”
- Then, enter the different fields in the new email window
- Next, click the File button on the menu bar
- After that, click Save As & choose “Outlook Template (.oft)”
- Lastly, click Save to store the created template
By following the steps mentioned above, you can create an OFT file in your Windows Outlook. Now, let’s move ahead and understand how emails can be easily sent using this Outlook file template.
Significance of OFT File
We all know how important OFT files are for Outlook users. As mentioned and discussed above, these are pre-made templates that help create plenty of new emails, appointments, or tasks. For Outlook users, they are quite helpful, and below are some of the related reasons why:
- It saves users’ time and effort.
- They help present emails in a better and more interesting way.
- You can create OFT files for all types of Outlook items, such as emails, meetings, or tasks.
- There are fewer chances of making mistakes, and helps avoid repeating errors.
- There are no formatting issues; you just need to write your content.
- It becomes easy to manage user-critical tasks when they have to send the same type of message to everyone.
Now that we know how you can create an OFT template, let us see how to send an email using an OFT template. Here’s a quick and simple tutorial for that.
Send an Email Using OFT Template
- Open and run your MS Outlook and select the Developer option on the Menu Bar.
- If you are not able to find the developer option, then right-click anywhere on the Menu Bar and select the Customize the Ribbon option.
- Upon doing that, check the box for developer options and click OK and you will see the Developer option on your Menu Bar.
- Now, click on Developer options >> Choose Form.
- Choose the User Template in the File System Option from the dropdown menu and click on the open button to continue.
- Next, select an OFT file and click on the Open button.
- Afterward, you will see an email message template that you can proceed to customize and send to people.
The steps to send an email using an OFT (Outlook File Template) were as follows. You may complete this task quickly and effortlessly if you follow the above guidelines.
Corbett Suggestion for Non-Outlook Users
If you don’t use Outlook but need to send emails using an OFT file, Corbett OFT Converter is an ideal solution. This tool lets you convert OFT files into various formats that can be opened in your preferred email application, such as Gmail or Thunderbird, making it simple to send your emails. It’s a popular choice among technical users who need to access and utilize OFT files without needing Microsoft Outlook. Many professionals frequently opt for this solution to successfully work with OFT files outside of Outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: How do I create and export OFT files in Outlook?
A-1: Follow the instructions given below to create and export an OFT file in Outlook:
- Firstly, open MS Outlook on your system/PC.
- Then, compose a new email and design your template.
- After that, once done, finalize the content and format.
- Now, go to File >> Save As >> Outlook Template (*.oft).
- Lastly, click Save to export the OFT template file using Outlook.
Q-2: How to Create Email Templates?
A-2: Here is a quick and simple tutorial on creating email templates in Outlook:
- Go and click on the “New Email” button.
- Now, enter all the standard information for the template.
- After that, click on “File” and select “Save As” Enter a preferred file name and save as the (.oft) file type. Make sure you save the file in the default location for Microsoft Templates.
- At last, close the email message and do not save it when prompted.
Q-3: What is an OFT file format?
A-3: An OFT, Outlook file template, is an email template created by MS Outlook. This format contains a pre-formatted layout for users to create custom messages with a similar appearance. This template allows users to save email message content and designs in a reusable format.
Q-4: How to access .oft files without MS Outlook?
A-4: OFT (Outlook File Template) files are specifically designed for Microsoft Outlook. If you don’t have Outlook, you can’t open them directly. However, you can use third-party tools such as OFT Viewer to convert or view OFT files in formats like PDF, EML, or HTML.
Q-5: Can we use an OFT file to send an email, and how?
A-5: To send an email using an OFT file in MS Outlook, follow these steps:
- Firstly, double-click on the OFT file. A new email window will open with pre-written content.
- Then, you can edit the content according to your needs.
- After that, enter the email address of the recipient.
- Finally, click on the “Send” button.
Conclusion
In this article titled “How to Create OFT File,” we discussed how one can create a .oft file in MS Outlook, and that too in Windows OS. Along with that, we also explained how to send an email message using an OFT file. Additionally, we shared an expert-recommended solution to convert OFT files. We hope you found this article helpful. If you still face any issues during the process, our support team is available 24/7 to assist you.