Mastering Microsoft OneNote Shortcuts for Pen Input
In the digital age, pen and paper are far from obsolete. With Microsoft OneNote's support for pen input, you can take notes, sketch ideas, and organize information just like you would with traditional tools. To enhance your productivity, we've compiled a list of essential OneNote shortcuts designed specifically for pen users.
Navigating OneNote with a Pen
Before diving into the shortcuts, ensure your pen is configured correctly. In OneNote, go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to Pen & Windows Ink, and make sure your pen is selected under Choose your pen.
Basic Pen Shortcuts
- Tap and hold to select text or an object.
- Drag to select multiple items or scroll through pages.
- Double-tap to open the context menu for an item.
- Circle to select and group items. Tap and hold inside the circle to adjust its size.
Drawing and Sketching Shortcuts
OneNote's ink annotation tools allow you to draw, highlight, and mark up your notes. Here are some helpful shortcuts to streamline your sketching:

Changing Ink Color and Width
- Press and hold the ink color or width button in the toolbar to cycle through available options.
Erasing and Undoing
- Tap and hold the eraser tool to change its size.
- Press Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) to undo your last action.
Organizing Notes with a Pen
OneNote's pen shortcuts also enable you to create and manage sections, move pages, and tag notes with ease.
Creating and Managing Sections
- Tap the New Section button to create a new section.
- Drag a section to the left or right to reorder it.
Moving and Tagging Pages
- Drag a page to move it between sections or notebooks.
- Tap the Tag button in the toolbar, then tap and hold on a note to add a tag.
Customizing Your OneNote Experience
To make the most of OneNote with a pen, consider customizing your settings and learning additional shortcuts. You can find more tips and tricks in the official Microsoft support documentation.
Embrace the power of pen and digital ink with these OneNote shortcuts. Happy note-taking!
























