OneNote

How to Move OneNote Pages to the Right Side

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
OneNote

OneNote is a fantastic tool for organizing your thoughts, jotting down notes, and even planning projects. But sometimes, you'd like a little more control over how things are laid out. Ever wanted to move your OneNote pages to the right side of the screen? It's a nifty trick that can streamline your workflow and make navigation a breeze. Let's explore how to make this happen, with practical steps and tips to ensure you're getting the most out of OneNote.

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Why Would You Want to Move Pages to the Right?

First off, why would anyone want to move their OneNote pages from the traditional left-side layout to the right? Well, it turns out there are several good reasons for this.

  • Better Visibility: If you're working with wide screens or multiple windows, having your pages on the right can actually keep your notes more in view without losing sight of the main content area.
  • Natural Workflow: For some, the right-side page layout mimics the way they naturally scroll and navigate, especially if you're used to right-hand scrolling.
  • Personal Preference: Sometimes, it simply comes down to what feels more comfortable or what you're used to from other applications.

There's no right or wrong here. Just what suits your workflow best. And if you're wondering how to switch things up, keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.

Understanding the OneNote Interface

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of moving pages, it's helpful to get a grip on the OneNote interface. If you're already familiar, feel free to skip ahead. For those who could use a refresher, here's the quick lowdown:

  • Notebooks: Think of these as your big filing cabinets. Each one can hold a multitude of sections and pages.
  • Sections: These are like the folders within your filing cabinet, used to categorize and organize your pages.
  • Pages: The actual notes you jot down. Each page can hold text, images, tables, and more.

On the default setup, your notebooks, sections, and pages are often aligned to the left of the screen. But with a few tweaks, you can shift those pages to the right.

Moving Pages to the Right: The Manual Way

Now, let's get down to business. To move OneNote pages to the right manually, you'll need to adjust a few settings. Here's how you can do it:

  • Step 1: Open OneNote and navigate to the notebook you're working on.
  • Step 2: Go to the top menu and click on File, then Options.
  • Step 3: In the Options menu, look for the section labeled Display. This is where you'll find the settings related to how your OneNote interface looks.
  • Step 4: Check the box that says Page Tabs Appear on the Right. This option might be listed differently depending on your version of OneNote, but it will be something along those lines.
  • Step 5: Click OK to apply the changes.

Now, your pages should appear on the right side of the screen. It might take a little getting used to, but many find this layout more intuitive. Plus, with a little practice, you'll be navigating your notes with newfound ease.

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Using OneNote's Quick Access Toolbar

If you're someone who loves shortcuts, the Quick Access Toolbar can be your new best friend. It's a customizable toolbar that lets you place your favorite commands front and center. Here's how it can help with page placement:

  • Step 1: Find the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of your OneNote window, next to the save and undo buttons.
  • Step 2: Click on the small dropdown arrow on the right side of the toolbar.
  • Step 3: Select More Commands from the dropdown menu.
  • Step 4: In the dialog box that appears, look for the Display category.
  • Step 5: Add the Page Tabs Appear on the Right command to your Quick Access Toolbar.

With this setup, you can easily switch between left and right page tabs with a simple click. It's a great way to keep your options open and adjust your layout on the fly.

Taking Advantage of OneNote on Different Devices

One of OneNote's greatest strengths is its versatility across devices. Whether you're on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, OneNote adapts to your needs. Here's how the right-side page layout can look on various devices:

  • Desktops: With a wider screen, moving pages to the right can help maximize your workspace, keeping more focus on your notes rather than the navigation.
  • Tablets: Depending on how you hold your device, right-side pages can be more comfortable, especially when using a stylus to jot down notes.
  • Smartphones: Moving pages to the right might not be as noticeable due to the limited screen space, but it can still provide a consistent experience across all your devices.

Remember, the goal here is to enhance your workflow, so feel free to experiment and see what feels best for you.

Integrating Spell with OneNote

I know what you're thinking: "How does Spell fit into all of this?" Well, Spell is an AI document editor that can work wonders alongside OneNote. It's like having a super-powered Google Docs with AI capabilities built right in. Here's how it can help:

  • Drafting: Use Spell to draft your notes quickly. Describe what you need, and Spell can create a high-quality first draft in seconds.
  • Editing: With natural language prompts, you can refine your notes without the usual hassle of copy-pasting between tools.
  • Collaboration: Share and collaborate on your OneNote documents in real-time, just like you would with Google Docs, but with the added power of AI.

With Spell, you can streamline your note-taking process, making it faster and more efficient than ever before.

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Customizing the OneNote Experience

Beyond just moving pages, OneNote offers a wealth of customization options to tailor your experience to your liking. Here are a few ways to make OneNote truly yours:

  • Change the Color Scheme: Head to the Options menu under File and select General. Here, you can choose from a variety of color schemes to match your taste.
  • Organize with Tags: Use tags to categorize and prioritize your notes. You can create custom tags or use the default ones to keep everything organized.
  • Adjust the Text Style: Personalize your text with different fonts, sizes, and colors. This can make your notes more visually appealing and easier to navigate.

By fine-tuning these settings, you can create a OneNote environment that's perfectly suited to your workflow and aesthetic preferences.

Making the Most of Search and Shortcuts

Moving pages is just one part of the puzzle. To really make the most of OneNote, it's worth becoming familiar with its powerful search and shortcut features:

  • Search: Use the search bar at the top right to quickly find notes across all your notebooks. It's a lifesaver when you're dealing with a large volume of notes.
  • Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts can drastically speed up your workflow. For instance, press Ctrl + E to search across all notebooks or Ctrl + 1 to tag a note as important.

Mastering these tools can make navigating OneNote a breeze, saving you time and effort in the long run.

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Dealing with Common Issues

Even with all these tips, you might run into some hiccups. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

  • Pages Not Moving: If your pages aren't moving to the right, double-check the settings under Options to ensure the change was applied.
  • Slow Performance: If OneNote is lagging, try closing unnecessary tabs or notebooks. You can also check for updates to ensure you're running the latest version.
  • Sync Problems: Ensure you're connected to the internet and that OneNote is set to sync automatically under File > Options > Sync.

Troubleshooting can be frustrating, but with a little patience, you'll have everything running smoothly again in no time.

Final Thoughts

Moving your OneNote pages to the right side of the screen is a small change with a big impact on your workflow. By customizing your layout, taking advantage of shortcuts, and integrating tools like Spell, you can create a streamlined, efficient note-taking experience. Spell, with its AI-driven capabilities, complements OneNote perfectly, offering a seamless way to draft, edit, and collaborate on your documents. Happy note-taking!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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