VBScript Outlook.Application Object

last modified April 9, 2025

The Outlook.Application object in VBScript provides access to Microsoft Outlook's functionality. It allows automation of email, calendar, contacts, and tasks. This object is part of the Outlook Object Model and requires Outlook to be installed.

Outlook.Application enables scripted interaction with Outlook features. It can create, send, and manage emails programmatically. This tutorial covers the object with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

Outlook.Application Object Overview

The Outlook.Application object is the root of the Outlook object hierarchy. It provides access to all other Outlook objects like MailItem and AppointmentItem. The object must be created using the CreateObject function in VBScript.

Key properties include NameSpace for accessing data stores and Explorers for open windows. Methods like CreateItem generate new Outlook items. Understanding this object enables powerful Outlook automation.

Sending a Basic Email

This example demonstrates how to create and send a simple email using Outlook.Application. It shows the minimum required code to send a message. The script creates a new mail item, sets basic properties, and sends it.

Set outlookApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
Set mailItem = outlookApp.CreateItem(0) ' 0 = olMailItem

mailItem.Subject = "Test Email from VBScript"
mailItem.To = "recipient@example.com"
mailItem.Body = "This is a test email sent via VBScript."
mailItem.Send

Set mailItem = Nothing
Set outlookApp = Nothing

The script creates an Outlook.Application instance and a new mail item. It sets the subject, recipient, and body text before sending. The CreateItem(0) method creates an email (olMailItem = 0). Always clean up objects with Set Nothing when done.

Creating a Calendar Appointment

This example shows how to create a calendar appointment using Outlook.Application. It demonstrates setting start/end times, subject, and location. The appointment is saved to the default calendar folder.

Set outlookApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
Set appointment = outlookApp.CreateItem(1) ' 1 = olAppointmentItem

appointment.Subject = "Team Meeting"
appointment.Location = "Conference Room A"
appointment.Start = "2025-04-15 14:00"
appointment.End = "2025-04-15 15:00"
appointment.Body = "Quarterly team planning session"
appointment.Save

Set appointment = Nothing
Set outlookApp = Nothing

The script creates an appointment item (olAppointmentItem = 1) and sets its properties. The Start and End properties use a specific date-time format. Unlike email, appointments are saved with Save rather than sent immediately.

Reading Inbox Messages

This example demonstrates accessing and reading messages from the Inbox. It shows how to navigate the Outlook folder hierarchy and read message properties. The script lists the subject and sender of recent messages.

Set outlookApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
Set namespace = outlookApp.GetNamespace("MAPI")
Set inbox = namespace.GetDefaultFolder(6) ' 6 = olFolderInbox

WScript.Echo "Inbox contains " & inbox.Items.Count & " items"

For Each item In inbox.Items
    If item.Class = 43 Then ' 43 = olMail
        WScript.Echo "Subject: " & item.Subject
        WScript.Echo "From: " & item.SenderName
        WScript.Echo "------"
    End If
Next

Set inbox = Nothing
Set namespace = Nothing
Set outlookApp = Nothing

The script accesses the MAPI namespace and default Inbox folder (olFolderInbox = 6). It iterates through items, checking for mail messages (olMail = 43). For each mail, it displays the subject and sender name. This approach can be extended to process messages.

Sending Email with Attachment

This example shows how to send an email with a file attachment. It demonstrates the Attachments.Add method and additional email properties. The script creates a more complete email message.

Set outlookApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
Set mailItem = outlookApp.CreateItem(0)

mailItem.Subject = "Report Attachment"
mailItem.To = "manager@example.com"
mailItem.CC = "team@example.com"
mailItem.Body = "Please find attached the quarterly report."
mailItem.Attachments.Add "C:\Reports\Q2_2025.xlsx"
mailItem.Importance = 2 ' 2 = olImportanceHigh
mailItem.Send

Set mailItem = Nothing
Set outlookApp = Nothing

The script creates an email and adds an attachment from a specified file path. It sets CC recipients and importance level (olImportanceHigh = 2). Attachments can be files or Outlook items. Multiple attachments can be added with separate Add calls.

Creating a Contact Item

This example demonstrates creating a new contact in the default Contacts folder. It shows setting various contact properties like name, email, and phone numbers. The contact is saved to the Contacts folder.

Set outlookApp = CreateObject("Outlook.Application")
Set contact = outlookApp.CreateItem(2) ' 2 = olContactItem

contact.FullName = "John Smith"
contact.CompanyName = "Acme Corporation"
contact.Email1Address = "john.smith@acme.com"
contact.BusinessTelephoneNumber = "+1 (555) 123-4567"
contact.JobTitle = "Sales Manager"
contact.Save

Set contact = Nothing
Set outlookApp = Nothing

The script creates a contact item (olContactItem = 2) and sets standard contact properties. The Save method stores the contact in the default Contacts folder. Additional properties can be set for more detailed contact information.

Source

Outlook Object Model Reference

In this article, we have explored the Outlook.Application object in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From sending emails to managing calendars and contacts, these examples demonstrate powerful Outlook automation. With this knowledge, you can enhance your scripts with robust Outlook integration.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

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