Repetitive, multistep procedures can be converted to single clicks with Quick Steps, a new feature in Outlook 2010. For example, if users initiate messages to their managers frequently, the conventional process requires opening and addressing a new message before composing the message itself. A custom Quick Step can eliminate the first two steps in the process. Quick Steps are executed from the Quick Steps gallery on the Home tab, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Executing Quick Steps from the Home Tab

Outlook has six preconfigured Quick Steps, identified in the following table, which can be customized or renamed to suit users' needs.

The first time that a user executes a Quick Step, Outlook prompts the users to specify any required details and rename the Quick Step if desired, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 - Customizing a Quick Step on First Use

To add additional actions or to customize the Quick Step beyond the simple customizations illustrated, click Options to open the Edit Quick Step dialog box, as shown in Figure 3. To access all available options, click the Show Options link.

Figure 3 - Adding More Complex Customizations to a Quick Step

If you are ready to reduce the amount of time you spend managing e-mail, tasks, and other items in Outlook 2010, take a look at how Quick Steps can begin saving you time today.

For a video demonstration of this tip, please visit www.tinyurl.com/k2tips77.