Easy folder cloning in Outlook

I routinely customise my Outlook folders so they perform the way I like. I use Outlook features like views and rules (many of which can be accessed from the Tools, Organize options) to create the perfect screen layout for my way of working. If you're still working with the default view take 5 minutes to have a look around to see how easy it is to improve the layout of information inside Outlook.

But once you've customised one folder to the point where it should win you awards for artistic endeavour, it can be a real pain recreating that perfect view in the 237 other folders that litter your Outlook environment.

Unless, of course you know the shortcut! Outlook provides a very simple way to copy customisation from one folder to another. Here's how. First up go to the folder list view (Go, Folder List, or CTRL+6 if you're in a hurry) then select the folder you now wish to customise (not the one you've already customised). Now go to the File menu, select Folder and choose Copy Folder Design. In the 'Copy design from this folder' window highlight the folder you've already customised then select which customisation options you wish to copy across (Permissions, Rules, Description and/or Forms & Views). Then hit OK and, hey presto, you now have two folders customised just the way you like 'em.

And with only 236 more folders left to format you should be finished in time for Christmas... Unless you also know about defining custom views. More about those next.