Creating an Outlook Email Contact Group from an Email Message

Overview

This article explains how to create a contact group (distribution list) in Microsoft Outlook by copying and pasting names from an email message.

How-To

Create an Outlook email contact group by following the instructions below based on what device you're using.

Using Outlook on a PC

  1. Open the email with the people you want in the contact group.
  2. Highlight all names in the To or Cc field.
  3. Press Ctrl + C to copy the names.
  4. Open People in Outlook.
  5. Select Home, then select New Contact Group.
  6. Enter a name for your contact group.
  7. Select Add Members, then select From Outlook Contacts.
  8. In the Members box, press Ctrl + V to paste the names.
  9. Select OK. The people from the email will appear as members.
  10. Select Save and Close.

Using Outlook on a Mac

  1. Open the email with the people you want in the contact group.
  2. Highlight all names in the To or Cc field.
  3. Press Command + C to copy the names.
  4. Open People in Outlook (not the opened email).
  5. Select Home, then select New Contact Group.
  6. Enter a name for your contact group.
  7. Select Add Members, then select From Outlook Contacts.
  8. In the Members box, press Command + V to paste the names.
  9. Select OK to view the members.
  10. Select Save and Close.

Using Outlook on the Web

  • The copy/paste method does not work in Outlook on the web.
  • Options:
    1. Install the Outlook desktop app and follow the steps above, or
    2. Contact the IT Solutions Center at 507-389-6654 for assistance.

Outcome

Your new contact group will contain all members copied from the original email.

Still Need Help?

Visit the IT Solutions Center page to view current hours, locations, and contact information.

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