Outlook - Read Email

Site: outlook|https://outlook.office.com/mail/

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Overview

Read, compose, and manage emails in Outlook Web (outlook.office.com). Includes inbox navigation, email reading, composing, and search workflows.

URLs

PageURLPurpose
Inboxhttps://outlook.office.com/mail/Main inbox view
Focused Inboxhttps://outlook.office.com/mail/focusedPriority emails
Sent Itemshttps://outlook.office.com/mail/sentitemsSent emails
Draftshttps://outlook.office.com/mail/draftsDraft emails
Calendarhttps://outlook.office.com/calendar/Calendar view
Contactshttps://outlook.office.com/people/Contact management

Critical Constraints

  • Authentication Required: Must be logged into Microsoft 365 account
  • Token Size: Email snapshots can be 20K+ tokens - use targeted element selection
  • Dynamic Loading: Emails load dynamically - wait for content after clicking
  • Focused vs Other: Inbox splits into "Focused" and "Other" tabs by default

Workflow: Read Email

1. Navigate to Inbox

Navigate to https://outlook.office.com/mail/

2. Wait for Email List

Wait for the email list to load. Look for the message list container with [role="listbox"].

3. Select Email

  1. Find email items in the list ([role="option"] within the listbox)
  2. Click on the desired email row
  3. Wait for the reading pane to update

4. Read Email Content

The email content appears in the reading pane on the right side. Key elements:

  • Subject: [role="heading"] in the reading pane
  • Body: [role="document"] contains the email content
  • Attachments: Listed below the header area

Workflow: Compose Email

1. Open New Message

Click the "New mail" button ([aria-label="New mail"] or similar).

2. Fill Email Fields

FieldDescription
ToRecipient email addresses
Cc/BccClick "Cc" or "Bcc" to reveal fields
SubjectEmail subject line
BodyRich text editor for message content

3. Add Attachments (Optional)

  1. Click the attachment button (paperclip icon)
  2. Select "Browse this computer" or cloud options
  3. Select file(s) to attach

4. Send Email

Click the "Send" button to send the email.

Workflow: Search Emails

1. Access Search

Click the search box at the top of the mail view.

2. Enter Search Query

Type search terms. Outlook searches:

  • Subject lines
  • Email body content
  • Sender/recipient names
  • Attachment names

3. Filter Results

Use filter options to narrow results:

  • Date range
  • Has attachments
  • From specific sender
  • Folder location

Page Structure Reference

Inbox View Elements

ElementRole/SelectorDescription
Message list[role="listbox"]Container for email items
Email item[role="option"]Individual email in list
Reading paneRight side panelShows selected email content
New mail button[aria-label="New mail"]Compose new email
Search boxTop search inputSearch all emails

Reading Pane Elements

ElementRole/SelectorDescription
Subject[role="heading"]Email subject line
Sender infoHeader areaFrom, To, date information
Email body[role="document"]Main email content
Reply buttonAction barReply to sender
Forward buttonAction barForward email

Compose Window Elements

ElementDescription
To fieldPrimary recipient input
Cc fieldCarbon copy recipients (may be hidden)
Bcc fieldBlind carbon copy (may be hidden)
Subject fieldSubject line input
Body editorRich text editor with formatting toolbar
Send buttonSends the email
Discard buttonDiscards the draft

Troubleshooting

IssueCauseSolution
Email list not loadingSlow connection or auth issueWait longer or refresh page
Reading pane emptyEmail not fully loadedWait for content to render
Can't find Cc/BccFields hidden by defaultClick "Cc" or "Bcc" link to reveal
Search returns nothingQuery too specificBroaden search terms
Attachments not showingLarge attachments loadingWait for attachment indicators

Notes

  • Direct URLs work for navigating to specific folders (sentitems, drafts, etc.)
  • "Focused Inbox" filters important emails automatically - check "Other" tab for filtered messages
  • Email threading groups related messages together
  • Right-click context menus provide additional actions (mark read, move, delete)