Issue/Question
- How do you create a distribution list in desktop Outlook 2019?
Resolution
Generally, you create personal distribution lists (PDL) as a convenience if you have several (or many) people you Email together on a regular basis, such as family members or coworkers involved in an ongoing project. It is easier to address a single group containing all the names rather than adding them individually every time you need to send a message.
Your personal distribution list can be constructed from individuals listed in the Outlook Address book and from contact cards in your personal contact list. You can use combinations of both in a single distribution list.
Before you create a personal distribution list, you should know who you wish to be included and determine if those people are either included in the Outlook address list or have a contact card in your personal contact list. You should have everyone accounted for one way or another before you start.
Start at the Contact list in Desktop Outlook
- While in your desktop Outlook, click the Contacts (People) List button to get to your personal contact list.
- Click New Contact Group
.
You will see the New Contact Group dialog box.
- In the Name box, type the name of your distribution list. It should be somewhat discriptive.
This name will appear in your Contacts list after you save it.
Build your list
You can add members to your list from either the Outlook address book or your personal contact list.
- Click Add Members
.
- Choose either From Outlook Contacts list or Address Book..
You will see the Edit Members dialog box.
- Select each name and click Members> or double-click each name, that you want to add to your PDL.
- Click [OK] to return to the Personal Distribution list dialog box.
You will see a listing of all the members you have selected.
- Click Save and Close to add to your Contact list. You will see it listed by the name you gave it.
You can return to edit the list by adding or removing members.
- To edit an existing list, find it in your contact list, double click to open.
You can delete the list from your contact list entirely
- To delete the list, find it in your contact list, select it and press Delete. Caution, don't rush.If you try to delete it you will not get the confirmation message beforehand, it will just delete.
To address an Email
- Open a new Email.
- Click the TO button, go to your Contact list.
- Find the Distribution list, double click on it.
You will see the name of the list in the TO box.
You can complete and send your message. All the members of the distribution list will get it.