How to add emojis in Outlook on Mac

Outlook for Mac does not need an add-in to send emojis. The Mac emoji keyboard works in any Outlook message, in both new and legacy Outlook.

The quickest option is to click in the message and press Fn + E, or Control + Command + Space, then search for the emoji you want.

#The quick answer

1. Click in the message body or subject line where you want the emoji.
2. Press Fn + E or Globe + E, or Control + Command + Space.
3. Type a word such as coffee or thumbs up, then click the emoji to insert it.

The emoji is inserted as a normal character, so it is sent as part of the email.

#Use the Mac emoji keyboard in Outlook

The macOS emoji keyboard, called the Character Viewer, works in Outlook like it does in any other text field. Click in the message first so there is an active cursor, then press Fn + E, or Globe + E on keyboards with a globe key.

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The Control + Command + Space shortcut opens the same viewer. Microsoft lists it as the Insert emoji shortcut in its keyboard shortcuts for Outlook for Mac.

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Search for an emoji and click it to insert it at the cursor. If you would rather use the menu, choose Edit → Emoji & Symbols. Apple documents both options in its guide to using emojis and symbols on Mac.

For every Mac shortcut, the one-key Globe setting, and word-to-emoji suggestions, see how to open and use the emoji keyboard on Mac.

#Add emojis in Outlook on the web

If you use Outlook in Safari or another browser, the Mac emoji keyboard works there too. Click in the message, then press Fn + E.

Outlook on the web also has its own picker. Select Insert emojis and GIFs in the message toolbar, then choose an emoji. Typing a colon followed by a word, such as :smile, can also bring up emoji suggestions as you type.

#Add an emoji to the subject line

The Mac emoji keyboard works in the subject line as well as the message body. Click in the Subject field, press Fn + E, and choose an emoji.

Emojis in a subject line are ordinary text characters. Most current email apps show them in color, but how an emoji looks depends on the recipient’s device.

#When emojis will not insert in Outlook

Work through these checks in order.

Click in the message first

The Character Viewer inserts at the active text cursor. If focus is on the message list or a toolbar, the emoji has nowhere to go. Click in the message body, then try again.

Try the Edit menu

Choose Edit → Emoji & Symbols. If the item is dimmed, Outlook does not see an active text field. Click in the message and open the menu again.

Quit and reopen Outlook

If the shortcut and the menu both stop working only in Outlook, quit Outlook with Command + Q and open it again. Save any open drafts first.

Test the shortcut in another app

Try Fn + E in Notes or TextEdit. If it works there, the problem is limited to Outlook. If it fails everywhere, follow the Mac emoji shortcut troubleshooting steps.

#Which method is fastest?

Method	Best for
Mac shortcut	Any version of Outlook, and every other Mac app
Edit → Emoji & Symbols	Browsing without remembering a shortcut
Insert emojis and GIFs	Outlook on the web
Mowji	Finding and inserting emojis without leaving the typing flow

#A faster workflow across Mac apps

The Mac Character Viewer works everywhere, but it opens a separate window you have to search and click. If you write a lot of email, that adds up.

Mowji is a native, keyboard-first emoji picker designed for use across Mac apps. Choose the colon as your trigger in Settings, type :smile, use the arrow keys to choose an emoji, and press Return to insert it where you are typing. Search with your own words, save Favorites, and let Mowji learn from the emojis you choose. Finding and inserting emojis works offline.

Download Mowji for macOS 15+ and try 150 lifetime emoji insertions, with no time limit. After that, you need a license to keep using it. A license is a one-time purchase with updates included; see current pricing.

Mowji needs macOS permission to detect your trigger and insert emojis. See the FAQs for permission, privacy, and compatibility details.

To compare Mowji with other Mac emoji pickers, read the best emoji pickers for Mac.

#Frequently asked questions

What is the emoji shortcut in Outlook for Mac?

Press Control + Command + Space, or Fn + E on newer keyboards. Both open the Mac emoji keyboard at the cursor. Outlook does not have a separate emoji shortcut of its own.

Why is Emoji & Symbols dimmed in Outlook?

The cursor is not in an editable text field. Click in the message body or subject line, then choose Edit → Emoji & Symbols again. If it stays dimmed, quit and reopen Outlook.

Can I add emojis in legacy Outlook for Mac?

Yes. The Mac emoji keyboard works in legacy Outlook as well as new Outlook. Press Fn + E or Control + Command + Space with the cursor in the message.

Will the recipient see the emoji?

Emojis are sent as text, so recipients see them in almost any current email app. The design can look different on Windows, Android, or older devices.

Do I need an add-in to use emojis in Outlook?

No. The Mac emoji keyboard is built into macOS and works in Outlook. Microsoft’s emoji add-in instructions are written for Outlook on Windows.