Draw and sketch notes in OneNote
Applies To
OneNote for Microsoft 365 OneNote 2024 OneNote 2021 OneNote 2016OneNote lets you draw, sketch, or write notes with your finger, a pen, or even a mouse. You can also choose from the shapes gallery instead of drawing freehand.
To draw and sketch on a computer
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Tap the Draw tab.
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Tap Draw with Touch, tap any of the pens or highlighters shown on the ribbon, and then use your finger, a stylus or a mouse to draw or sketch on the page. You can choose thickness, effect and color of your pen and highlighter.
Tips:
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If your touch-capable device has a small screen, click or tap the Touch/Mouse Mode button on the Quick Access Toolbar, and then click Touch. This puts more space between the commands, so it’s easier to tap with your finger. You can turn this mode off when you’re done drawing.
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If your computer has a touch screen, you can also take handwritten notes and convert them to text.
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To cancel the drawing mode, press the Esc key on your keyboard if you are using a mouse, or click the Draw with Touch button again.
To draw a shape
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Click or tap the Draw tab, select an item in the Shapes gallery, and then drag your mouse or finger on the page to draw the shape.
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While the shape is selected, you can drag it to resize it or move it to a different place on the page.
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To cancel the drawing mode, press the Esc key on your keyboard, or click the Draw with Touch button again.
To draw several shapes in a row
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Click or tap the Draw tab, and then click the Shapes button.
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On the menu that appears, click Lock Drawing Mode. OneNote will remain in the drawing mode you toggle out of it.
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Select an item in the Shapes list, and then click and drag on the page to draw the shape you want. Repeat this step for as many additional shapes as you want.
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To cancel the drawing mode, press the Esc key on your keyboard, or click on the Draw with Touch button again.
To remove shapes or notes you have drawn
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Click Draw > Eraser, and then erase the notes.
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You can also select the notes or shapes and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
To add background to your notes
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Click or tap the Draw tab, and then click the Format Background button.
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Choose the gridline to help guide your ink. You can also change the color of your page.
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To cancel the drawing mode, press the Esc key on your keyboard or click the Draw with Touch button again.
To draw a straight line
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Click or tap the Draw tab, then tap Draw with Touch. Choose any pen.
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Click the Ruler button. Adjust the angle.
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Draw a line and it will be straight.
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