2025-07-15, Markus Gruber
Ever noticed your email signature text mysteriously changing color, especially in replies or forwards?
Here's what's going on: By default, Outlook uses black text for new emails and blue text for replies and forwards. These defaults also apply to signatures - sometimes by design, sometimes by surprise.
There are two key factors at play: 1️⃣ Outlook's default formatting: You can configure default text colors for new messages and replies/forwards via Outlook settings, registry keys, or Group Policy.
2️⃣ The hidden twist: 'Automatic' text color: When designing signatures in Word or Outlook, you might unknowingly apply a color called 'Automatic'. It looks like black, but it's not.
- Text set to 'Automatic' adapts to Outlook's default colors (black for new, blue for replies).
- Text set to 'Black' stays black, always.
And here's the kicker: Some Outlook versions struggle to interpret 'Automatic' correctly, especially when switching signatures mid-draft or using the preview pane.
With Set-OutlookSignatures, you can standardize signature formatting across your organization. No surprises, no color shifts, just consistent branding.
🔗Interested in learning more or seeing our solution in action?
Contact us or explore further on our website. We look forward to connecting with you!