Can You Customize Flags in Outlook?

Emma Jul 01, 2026

Ever found yourself wishing you could make your Outlook flags stand out more? By default, Outlook offers a set of standard flag colors, but what if you could customize them to better suit your needs or preferences? The good news is, you can! Let's delve into how you can personalize your Outlook flags to boost your productivity and organization.

DIY Guide: How to Make Custom Flags
DIY Guide: How to Make Custom Flags

Outlook flags are a powerful tool for marking important emails, tasks, or appointments. They help you prioritize your workload and ensure you don't miss any crucial deadlines. But with a little tweaking, they can become even more useful. So, let's explore how to customize your flags in Outlook.

How to Customize the Flag Texts in Flagged Items in Your Outlook
How to Customize the Flag Texts in Flagged Items in Your Outlook

Customizing Flag Colors in Outlook

One of the most straightforward ways to customize your flags is by changing their colors. Different colors can signify different levels of urgency or importance, making your flags more meaningful.

How to set a flag to follow up using VBA | Slipstick Systems
How to set a flag to follow up using VBA | Slipstick Systems

Here's how you can change flag colors in Outlook:

Outlook on the Web

Sorting Flags in Outlook with the help of a Custom toolbar
Sorting Flags in Outlook with the help of a Custom toolbar

1. Click on the 'Settings' icon (gear icon) at the top right corner of the page.

2. Select 'View all Outlook settings'.

3. Under 'Mail', click on 'Layout'.

Flag Creator
Flag Creator

4. Scroll down to 'Flags' and click on the color you want to change.

5. Choose your desired color from the palette or enter a custom color code.

Outlook Desktop Application

How to Reorder a Custom Flag - Custom Flag Company
How to Reorder a Custom Flag - Custom Flag Company

1. Click on the 'File' tab, then 'Options'.

2. Select 'Customize Ribbon'.

Worldbuilding: 3 Tips for Designing a Flag
Worldbuilding: 3 Tips for Designing a Flag
Flag Creator
Flag Creator
☆ SubspaceTripmineic
☆ SubspaceTripmineic
College Dorm Flags - Custom Flag Company
College Dorm Flags - Custom Flag Company
Single Sided Custom Flag with your idea, photo, artwork, or logo using your choice of color
Single Sided Custom Flag with your idea, photo, artwork, or logo using your choice of color
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7 things you didn’t know you could do in Outlook!
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♥ Small Versions ♥
will create a incredible custom flag design
will create a incredible custom flag design
♡  ︵    Self/yumeship ㅤㅤ⨟ㅤㅤ  Sharing FLAG   。  ꒱
♡ ︵ Self/yumeship ㅤㅤ⨟ㅤㅤ Sharing FLAG 。 ꒱
﹒Com4Com / Comship4Comship    ෆ
﹒Com4Com / Comship4Comship ෆ
profile manager
profile manager
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Lifebound⠀⠀(⠀Lovers⠀)
How to Extend the Life of Your Flag - Custom Flag Company
How to Extend the Life of Your Flag - Custom Flag Company
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☆ . . source neu-pos
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5 Flag Design Principles
Comshipper Flag
Comshipper Flag
the screenshot shows different types of flags
the screenshot shows different types of flags
﹒  "princess" ﹐ 𐙚
﹒  "princess" ﹐ 𐙚

3. Under 'Choose commands from:', select 'All Tabs'.

4. Scroll down and select 'Flags'.

5. Click on the 'Modify' button. Here, you can change the color of each flag by clicking on it and selecting a new color from the palette.

Creating Custom Flag Icons

If you're looking for more than just color changes, you can create custom flag icons. This can help you quickly identify specific types of emails or tasks at a glance.

Here's how you can create custom flag icons in Outlook:

Outlook on the Web

1. Click on the 'Settings' icon (gear icon) at the top right corner of the page.

2. Select 'View all Outlook settings'.

3. Under 'Mail', click on 'Layout'.

4. Scroll down to 'Flags' and click on 'Add custom flag'.

5. Enter a name for your custom flag, choose an icon, and select a color. You can also upload your own icon.

Outlook Desktop Application

1. Click on the 'File' tab, then 'Options'.

2. Select 'Customize Ribbon'.

3. Under 'Choose commands from:', select 'All Tabs'.

4. Scroll down and select 'Flags'.

5. Click on the 'New' button. Here, you can create a new flag with a custom name, icon, and color.

Customizing your Outlook flags can significantly enhance your productivity and organization. It allows you to create a system that works best for you, making it easier to manage your emails, tasks, and appointments. So, why not give it a try and see how it can transform your Outlook experience?