Base your Outlook rules on message headers for fewer rules

I use a lot of rules in Outlook to categorize messages I receive. Some rules are based on the sender's address, others based on words in the sender description, and others based on words in the subject. When I want messages based on all three to be marked the same category, I’ve been using three different rules. But I just discovered that “with specific words in the message header” is a broader category that includes a whole lot of information, including all those criteria I was using to organize mail. I was looking for a way to include messages sent “on behalf of” someone, mainly to catch messages sent on behalf of the same entity but using a different mass-mail e-mail address with each message. 

Make selected file path a hyperlink

Office programs convert URLs into hyperlinks very easily, like with a space after the address. But they don't do this if the address is to a file path. I send file paths to colleagues in e-mails, Word documents, and Excel files frequently, so I wanted to make it easy to convert the text of a file path into a hyperlink to the file or folder. The quickest built-in way to do this is select the file path and use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + C, Ctrl + K, Ctrl +V, Enter. But now I've created a macro, so it's a click (or a single keyboard shortcut, if you like) away.

Use a duplicate contact to simplify changing Outlook forwarding rules in transitions

I use Outlook's rules to keep my e-mail nice and tidy. I also use them to make sure my assistant keeps updated on the goings on. Or I used to, anyway. And now I do again. And I figured out how to simplify updating those rules to make sure the next time I change assistants. I set up a duplicate contact, tell rules to send it to that contact, and change the e-mail address listed for that contact whenever the person changes. All the rules sending messages to that contact (now with a different address) will automatically change.

Adjusting Outlook's default new message with styles, templates, and signatures

I had a heck of a time figuring out how to ensure Outlook always started with a format I liked. It turns out this is more complicated than anyone would imagine. But once I explain it, you should be able to make your changes in about ten minutes. You'll be able to click new message and just start typing without making any formatting adjustments. (Sorry this is so long and has no pictures. If I didn't have a day job, I would add screenshots.)

Make Outlook highlight important e-mail

My favorite productivity guru, Michael Linenberger, has a great post on setting up Outlook to de-emphasize or highlight e-mail messages as they appear in your inbox.