Print an Outlook message as PDF in 5 steps. Open the message and select More actions then Print. Choose the PDF printer in the dialog. New Outlook has no PDF entry in Save as. Drafts save every 30 seconds without a setting. Steps follow the official page for the new Outlook.
Outlook has no PDF button in the Save as menu. You create the PDF through the print dialog instead.
Facts follow Microsoft Support the article on saving messages as files, PDFs or drafts. Microsoft lists Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2024, Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook.com and the new Outlook for Windows. Page steps apply to new Outlook only.
How to Print an Outlook Message as PDF?
- Open the message in the reading pane or in its own window.
- Select More actions, Print and Print again.
- Choose Microsoft Print to PDF from the Printer dropdown.
- Select Print.
- Choose a folder in the Save Print Output As box, enter a file name and select Save.
How to Save Outlook Mail as a File?
- Select the message and open More actions. You can also right click it in the list.
- Select Save as.
- Choose a folder or cloud location. File names default to the message title and you can rename them.
- Select Save.
How to Save Outlook Mail as a Draft?
- Automatic. Outlook saves drafts every 30 seconds. You cannot edit the interval or the location. Drafts go to the Drafts folder.
- Manual. Select Options on the ribbon and select Save draft.
- Reopen. Select Drafts in the Folder pane and open the message.
- Delete. Select the draft and select Delete.
According to Microsoft, new Outlook does not support saving a message as a Word document or template. Move or copy a message to store it in another folder.
What does Microsoft Not Say?
- Steps for Classic Outlook or Outlook on the web.
- Save as menu entry for PDF.
- Saving many messages as PDF in one action.
- Page layout settings for the PDF file.
Related reading: how to save an email as an EML file in Gmail and how to fix PDF attachments that will not open in Outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Save an Outlook Email as PDF?
Open the message and select More actions then Print then Print. Choose it as the printer and select Save.
Does Outlook have a PDF Option in Save as?
No. Microsoft states that new Outlook has no PDF entry there.
How Often does Outlook Save Drafts?
Outlook saves drafts every 30 seconds. You cannot edit the interval.
Can I Save Outlook Mail as a Word Document?
No. Microsoft states that new Outlook does not support saving as a Word document or template.
Does Microsoft Describe Classic Outlook Steps Here?
No. Page steps apply to new Outlook only.
Key Takeaways
- Print to PDF replaces a missing PDF option in Save as.
- Choose the PDF printer in the Printer dropdown.
- More actions then Save as saves a message as a file.
- Drafts save every 30 seconds in the Drafts folder.
- Steps follow new Outlook only.
Sources and References
Facts follow Microsoft Support.
- Saving messages as files, PDFs or drafts (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com