Outlook – In Outlook 2010, can you add “Categories” to the “New Email” Ribbon

microsoft-outlook-2010

I couldn't figure out how to do this in Outlook 2007, and I was hoping I could do it in Outlook 2010… I want the ability to quickly apply a category when composing a new email (typically a "Waiting For…" category) for things that need a response.

It is possible to apply a category by clicking the "Options" ribbon, then the little arrow under the More Options section – but why can't I get the nice big "Categories" drop-down that's available in the "Tags" section of the main Outlook window. There are about a kabillion commands in the "Customize Ribbon" dialog box for the New Mail window, but I couldn't find anything about Categories. Should I just give up?

Best Answer

You need to open the "Visual Basic Window" (Alt + F11)

Add a Module (Right-click "Modules" Folder > Insert > Module) and copy & paste the below:

Public Sub CategoriesButton()
  Dim Item As Outlook.MailItem
  Set Item = Application.ActiveInspector.CurrentItem
  Item.ShowCategoriesDialog
End Sub

For Outlook 2010

  1. Click the "New E-Mail" Button

  2. Right Click > Customize Ribbon > Drop Down > Macros > Select "Project1.CategoriesButton" and add to a new group.

  3. Rename and Add icons to the button as you wish!

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