Creating a Distribution List in Outlook

Filed in archive Tips on November 3, 2009

© tomeppy


So recently I went into Outlook 2007 and realized that I didn't know how to create a distribution list. I've made them before in other programs and email clients, I just hadn't ever bothered making one in Outlook before. After a few simple steps I put together a list and I thought I'd share the steps with you so you could do it too!

1. In Outlook 2007 click File, New, Distribution List. (Or, if you want to feel snazzy: Ctrl + Shift + L)

2. This will open a new list window. Where it says "Name" type in the name of the list. (It should be something you can remember, it will be what you type into the "To" line when you want to send this group an email.)

3. You can add people to the list two ways: "Add New" or "Select Members". If you want to add people who are already in your Contacts to the distribution list, click "Select Members". If you want to add new people, click "Add New". There is also a great option under "Add New" where you can add anyone in the list to your Contacts as well.

4. That's it, you're done! You can add a few bells and whistles, like follow-up notices or categories, but pretty much that's all you have to do.

Once you've set up the distribution list all you have to do is type in its title and the entire list of emails will appear. If you need to edit your list, you can go into your Contacts and find the name of the group and double-click it. This will open the same set-up screen and allow you to add or remove people.

Know any good Outlook short-cuts you'd like to share?