Have you opened an email in Microsoft Outlook and suddenly noticed paragraph symbols (¶) appearing at the end of every line? You may also see dots between words, arrows, or other unusual marks that make your message look cluttered. The good news is that these symbols are usually formatting marks, not errors in your email, and you can often hide them in just a few clicks.
If you want to know how to remove paragraph symbols in Outlook, the right solution depends on which version you use. Classic Outlook for Windows provides a dedicated Show/Hide formatting marks button and display settings. Outlook for Mac has its own formatting controls, while the options available in new Outlook and Outlook on the web may differ.
This guide explains how to hide paragraph symbols, stop them from appearing unnecessarily, troubleshoot missing controls, and determine whether a symbol is a display aid or an actual character in your message.
Quick Answer: How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Outlook
If you use classic Outlook for Windows, follow these steps:
- Open a new email or open a reply window.
- Select the Format Text tab.
- Find the Paragraph group.
- Click the Show/Hide ¶ button to turn formatting marks off.
The button may be displayed simply as a paragraph symbol (¶). If it is already enabled, clicking it again should hide the marks.
You can also try the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 8 in the message editor. Microsoft documents the shortcut as Ctrl + Shift + *; on many keyboards, the asterisk is entered using Shift + 8. Keyboard layouts and shortcuts can vary, so use the ribbon button if the shortcut does not work.
Important: These steps apply to classic Outlook for Windows. If you use new Outlook, Outlook for Mac, or Outlook in a browser, follow the relevant instructions below instead of assuming every version has the same menus.
What Are Paragraph Symbols in Outlook?
A paragraph symbol (¶) is a formatting mark that indicates the end of a paragraph. In Outlook, these marks can help you understand how text is arranged while you compose or edit an email.
When formatting marks are visible, you may notice several symbols that normally remain hidden.
| Symbol | What it usually means |
| ¶ | End of a paragraph |
| · | A space between words |
| → | A tab character |
| ↵ | A manual line break in editors that display this mark |
The exact appearance of formatting marks can vary with the editor and the type of formatting used.
These symbols are useful when you are fixing paragraph spacing, aligning text, or diagnosing unexpected gaps in an email. However, they can be distracting when you simply want to write a message.
In supported Outlook versions, formatting marks are editing aids. They are not normally printed as part of the document or displayed as ordinary characters in the delivered email. Microsoft explains that these marks help with text layout and do not appear on a printed message.
Why Did Paragraph Symbols Suddenly Appear?
Paragraph symbols may appear because you or someone else activated the Show/Hide formatting marks feature. This can happen accidentally when clicking an editing control or using a keyboard shortcut.
Other possible explanations include:
- You changed a formatting option while composing an email.
- You opened a message or editor where formatting marks were already enabled.
- You are using a different Outlook version with a different editing interface.
- The marks are actual characters in the email rather than hidden formatting indicators.
- You are editing copied text that contains unusual formatting or line breaks.
Seeing paragraph symbols does not automatically mean your Outlook installation is damaged. Start by checking the display controls before changing other settings.
How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Classic Outlook for Windows
Classic Outlook for Windows has a dedicated formatting control. This is generally the simplest place to start if you see a paragraph symbol at the end of each paragraph.
Method 1: Turn Off Show/Hide Formatting Marks
Follow these steps to hide the symbols in the email editor.
- Open Outlook on your Windows computer.
- Select New Email or open a reply or forward in a separate message window.
- Click the Format Text tab.
- Look for the Paragraph group on the ribbon.
- Click the ¶ button, which controls Show/Hide formatting marks.
- Check whether the paragraph symbols disappear.
If the button was enabled, turning it off should hide the marks. If you still see them, continue with the troubleshooting section later in this article.
Tip: Make sure you are looking at the email composition window, not just the main Outlook inbox. The formatting controls are associated with editing a message.
Method 2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
If you prefer keyboard commands, try this shortcut while the cursor is inside the email editor:
Ctrl + Shift + 8
Microsoft documents the equivalent shortcut as Ctrl + Shift + *, with the asterisk entered using the 8 key on many keyboards.
The shortcut can be convenient when you are writing a long email and do not want to search through the ribbon. However, keyboard layouts and application configurations can affect how a shortcut behaves.
If pressing the keys opens an unrelated dialog or does nothing, stop using the shortcut and switch the setting through the ribbon. Do not assume the shortcut is broken simply because your keyboard behaves differently.
Method 3: Check Which Formatting Marks Are Enabled
If the symbols keep appearing, check whether individual formatting marks have been selected in Outlook’s display preferences.
In supported classic Outlook versions:
- Open a new email message.
- Select File.
- Choose Options.
- Open Mail.
- Under the section for composing messages, select Editor Options.
- Choose Display.
- Review the formatting mark checkboxes.
- Clear the marks you do not want to see. If the option Show all formatting marks is selected, clear it if you want those marks hidden.
- Select OK to save the changes, and close any remaining settings window with OK.
The exact labels may vary slightly by Outlook release, but Microsoft documents this settings path for supported desktop versions. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/turn-formatting-marks-on-or-off-in-outlook
This approach is useful when you want to hide paragraph symbols but still need to see certain other formatting indicators.
Will the Symbols Stay Hidden in Future Emails?
In supported classic Outlook versions, the formatting-mark preferences you select can persist for later messages, replies, and forwards. The display settings also affect certain other text-entry areas in Outlook.
If the marks return, check both the Show/Hide button and the individual display preferences. One setting may be overriding what you expected from the other.
Do not assume that the same persistence rules apply to every Outlook version. New Outlook, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook on the web may provide different controls.
How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in New Outlook
New Outlook for Windows has a different interface from classic Outlook. As a result, instructions written for the classic ribbon or the File > Options > Mail > Editor Options path may not match what you see.
Check the Email Composition Toolbar
Start by opening a new email or a reply in new Outlook.
- Open the message editor.
- Inspect the available formatting controls.
- Look for a paragraph symbol (¶), a formatting-mark command, or an additional-options menu.
- If an explicit Show/Hide formatting marks control is available, use it to turn the marks off.
- Check the message again.
The available controls can vary with the version and interface being used. If you cannot find a formatting-mark command, do not waste time searching for the classic Outlook settings path as though it must exist in new Outlook.
What If New Outlook Has No Paragraph-Mark Button?
If no relevant control appears, first confirm which Outlook application you have open. The interface may be new Outlook rather than classic Outlook, even if both applications use the same email account.
Next, check whether the marks appear only while composing a message or also in the actual text you receive or send. This helps establish whether you are dealing with a display setting or literal characters.
If you cannot find a supported control in your version, consult Microsoft’s current Outlook help documentation or your organization’s Microsoft 365 support team. Avoid changing unrelated Windows settings or editing the registry to solve what may be a simple editor-display issue.
Key point: Do not assume the classic Outlook shortcut, ribbon button, and permanent display settings are all available in new Outlook. The correct instructions depend on the interface and features provided by your installed version.
How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Outlook for Mac
Outlook for Mac has its own message-editing toolbar and formatting controls. The location of the paragraph-mark option can differ from the Windows interface.
Method 1: Look for the Formatting-Mark Control
Try the following steps:
- Open Outlook on your Mac.
- Start a new email or open a reply.
- Inspect the message-formatting toolbar.
- Look for a paragraph symbol (¶) or an option related to formatting marks.
- If you see the relevant control, select it to hide the marks.
In some Mac versions, the relevant command may be inside an additional-options menu represented by an ellipsis (…). The precise location depends on the version and toolbar layout, so do not rely on that menu being identical on every Mac.
Microsoft’s official Outlook for Mac documentation includes guidance for showing or hiding paragraph marks and other email-formatting tasks.
Method 2: If the Control Is Missing
If you cannot find a paragraph-mark option:
- Confirm whether you are using the current Outlook for Mac interface or a legacy version.
- Open a separate message-composition window and inspect its toolbar.
- Expand the available toolbar options if a more-options menu is present.
- Consult Microsoft’s instructions for your specific Outlook for Mac release.
Do not follow Windows-only directions such as File > Options > Mail on a Mac. Those menus are not interchangeable.
If the symbols appear in only one message, also check whether the paragraph sign is part of the message text itself. Hiding formatting marks will not remove a literal character that someone typed or pasted into the email.
How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Outlook on the Web
Outlook on the web runs in a browser, and its editing interface is not identical to either desktop version.
Check the Web Email Editor
- Open Outlook in your browser and sign in.
- Start a new email or reply to a message.
- Inspect the formatting toolbar.
- Look for an explicit Show/Hide formatting marks option, including any additional-options menu.
- If the command is available, use it to hide the marks.
If you cannot find this control, do not assume you have overlooked the exact same button used by classic Outlook for Windows. The browser editor may not expose the same options.
What If the Marks Remain Visible?
Check whether the paragraph sign is an actual character in the text. For example, if someone copied the symbol ¶ into a message, the symbol may remain visible even when editor formatting marks are hidden.
You can also test a new, blank message. If the marks appear in every new message, the issue may be related to the editor’s display behavior. If they appear in only one email, the message content or its formatting is a more likely place to investigate.
For version-specific help, use Microsoft’s Outlook support resources: https://support.microsoft.com/outlook
How to Stop Paragraph Symbols From Coming Back
Turning off the Show/Hide button may solve the immediate problem. If the paragraph marks return later, work through these checks instead of repeating the same step without investigating the cause.
1. Review the Display Preferences
In supported classic Outlook for Windows, open File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Display.
Check whether Show all formatting marks is selected. Also review the individual formatting-mark options. Clear any options that you do not want enabled, then save the changes.
These settings are especially relevant if paragraph symbols return in new messages, replies, and forwards.
2. Confirm That You Are Using the Same Outlook Version
Classic Outlook and new Outlook do not have identical interfaces. Outlook for Mac and Outlook on the web differ as well.
If you switch between applications, you may encounter different editing controls or display behavior. Make sure you apply the instructions to the version where the issue actually occurs.
3. Test a New Blank Email
Open a new message and type a short test sentence. Check whether a paragraph symbol appears when you press Enter.
- If the marks appear in every new message, investigate the editor’s formatting controls.
- If the marks appear in only one message, inspect that message’s text and formatting.
- If the issue occurs only in replies or forwards, compare the behavior with a new blank message.
This simple test helps you narrow down the cause before changing additional settings.
4. Avoid Changing Unrelated Formatting Options
Do not change Outlook’s default font, email format, Windows display settings, or registry entries just to hide paragraph symbols unless a verified troubleshooting procedure specifically calls for it.
Paragraph marks are usually controlled by an editor-display feature. Changing unrelated settings can introduce new problems without addressing the original issue.
Troubleshooting: Paragraph Symbols Will Not Disappear
If you have tried the appropriate steps and the marks are still visible, use this table to identify your next move.
| Problem | What to try |
| The ¶ button is missing | Confirm whether you use classic Outlook, new Outlook, or Outlook for Mac. Check the message editor, not only the inbox. |
| The shortcut does nothing | Use the visible Show/Hide button if your version provides one. Keyboard behavior can vary. |
| Paragraph marks return in new messages | In supported classic Outlook, review the Display settings and individual formatting-mark checkboxes. |
| Only one email shows the symbol | Check whether the symbol is literal text or whether the message has unusual formatting. |
| You see dots between words | These are usually space indicators. Turn off formatting marks rather than deleting the dots one by one. |
| You see arrows in the text | These may represent tabs or other formatting marks. Check the editor’s Show/Hide control. |
| You cannot find the setting in new Outlook | Do not assume the classic Outlook options path is available. Check current version-specific Microsoft guidance. |
| The symbol appears in a browser | Inspect the web editor’s available toolbar options and determine whether the symbol is part of the actual message text. |
How to Tell Whether a Paragraph Symbol Is a Formatting Mark or Real Text
This distinction matters because the two problems require different solutions.
A formatting mark is an editor aid that indicates the structure of text. Hiding formatting marks changes how the editor displays the content; it does not remove the underlying paragraph break.
A literal paragraph symbol is an actual character in the message. For example, someone might type ¶ into a sentence or paste it from a document. Turning off Show/Hide will not necessarily remove that character.
To investigate, create a new blank message and type a short sentence. If the symbol appears automatically at paragraph endings and disappears when the relevant formatting control is turned off, it is likely a formatting mark. If the symbol remains as an ordinary character in the text, inspect the content itself before deleting anything.
Be careful not to remove real paragraph breaks simply because you see a formatting indicator. Paragraph breaks control the structure of the email and can be important for readability.
Do Recipients See Paragraph Symbols in Your Outlook Emails?
Usually, the formatting marks shown by Outlook’s editor are intended to help you compose and arrange text. They are not normally part of the email content displayed to recipients.
However, a literal paragraph character typed into the body of a message is different from a hidden formatting indicator. If you typed or pasted the symbol itself, the recipient may see it as part of the message.
Before sending an important email, review the message in the composition window and, if necessary, send a short test message to an account you control. This can help you confirm whether the symbol is part of the content or simply an editor aid.
Also remember that the visual layout of an email can vary between email applications. A message that looks correct in Outlook may not render identically in every recipient’s email client.
Can You Delete Paragraph Symbols Instead of Hiding Them?
In most cases, you should hide formatting marks rather than delete them.
The paragraph symbol is a visual indicator for a paragraph break. Removing the underlying break can merge paragraphs and change the layout of your email.
For example, consider this message:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting me.
I will respond shortly.
The editor may show a paragraph mark at the end of each paragraph when formatting marks are enabled. Hiding those indicators does not change the message’s structure.
If a literal ¶ character was inserted into the text, you can remove that character by editing the message body. But do not delete ordinary paragraph breaks just to make the editor look cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a ¶ symbol at the end of every line in Outlook?
The symbol usually indicates a paragraph break, and it may appear because Show/Hide formatting marks is enabled. In classic Outlook for Windows, you can normally turn it off from Format Text > Paragraph > Show/Hide ¶.
How do I remove paragraph symbols in Outlook permanently?
In supported classic Outlook versions, open File > Options > Mail > Editor Options > Display and review the formatting-mark settings. Clear the options you do not want, including Show all formatting marks if it is enabled. Other Outlook versions may provide different controls or may not expose the same settings.
Why do paragraph symbols keep coming back in Outlook?
The display settings may still enable them, or you may be using a different Outlook version with different behavior. Check the relevant formatting controls and test a new blank message to see whether the issue affects all messages or only one.
How do I remove dots between words in Outlook?
The dots generally indicate spaces when formatting marks are displayed. Turn off the Show/Hide formatting marks option instead of deleting the dots. They are usually visual indicators rather than characters in your email.
Can I remove paragraph marks using a keyboard shortcut?
In supported Outlook desktop versions, Microsoft documents Ctrl + Shift + * as a shortcut for toggling formatting marks. On many keyboards, this means pressing Ctrl, Shift, and 8 together. If the shortcut does not work in your setup, use the relevant menu or toolbar control.
Do paragraph symbols appear when I send an email?
Ordinary editor formatting marks are generally not sent as visible characters. A literal paragraph symbol typed or pasted into the email body is different and may be visible to the recipient.
Can I remove paragraph symbols in Outlook for Mac?
Outlook for Mac has its own formatting controls. Open a message editor and check the toolbar or its additional-options menu for a paragraph-mark command. If you cannot find it, consult Microsoft’s current Mac-specific instructions because the interface varies by release.
What should I do if new Outlook has no Show/Hide button?
First confirm that you are using new Outlook rather than classic Outlook. Check the message editor for any available formatting-mark command. If the control is absent, consult current Microsoft documentation for your version rather than following Windows classic Outlook instructions that do not match your interface.
Will hiding paragraph symbols change my email’s formatting?
Hiding formatting marks normally changes only their visibility in the editor, not the paragraph structure of your message. Deleting actual paragraph breaks or editing literal characters can change the content, so distinguish the two before making changes.
Final Thoughts
If you want to know how to remove paragraph symbols in Outlook, start by identifying your Outlook version and checking its message-editing controls. In classic Outlook for Windows, the quickest fix is usually Format Text > Show/Hide ¶. If the marks return, review the supported Display settings. On Mac, new Outlook, or Outlook on the web, use the controls available in that version and avoid assuming that every menu is identical.
Most importantly, determine whether you are seeing formatting indicators or actual characters in the email. Hiding editor marks is usually enough; deleting real paragraph breaks is rarely necessary and can damage your message layout.
For the most reliable instructions, consult Microsoft’s official documentation for the Outlook version you use. Revisit this guide when your interface changes, because Microsoft can update the menus and available editing features over time.
I’m Grace Harrison, a writer who loves exploring the meaning and everyday use of English words and expressions. I enjoy researching unfamiliar terms and explaining them in a way that feels natural and easy to understand. At Meanera, I create helpful content about vocabulary, slang, phrases, and expressions so readers can understand language with confidence.
Books:
- The Language of Everyday Life
- Simple Meanings, Clear Words