How to change the layout in OneNote

A fresh start from Microsoft.

How to

Rafly Gilang

How to

3 min. read

Updated on December 10, 2025

Key notes

Microsoft launched a set of new layout options for OneNote.
Left-sided layout options are now rolling out for all users.
However, the interface is not currently available for Windows 10 users.

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Microsoft continues to innovate with its products. This time, Redmond officials just rolled out a set of left-sided layout options in OneNote, and you can change it however you want, and this guide will show you how to do it.

How to change the layout in OneNote
- Use the View tab
- FAQ

How to change the layout in OneNote

Use the View tab

1. With your OneNote app opened, click View on your upper screen.

2. On the Tabs Layout tab, click Vertical Tabs.

Speaking on Microsoft 365 Insider blog, product manager Greg MacEachern said that the update could be a massive game-changer, especially for those working on tablets.

For those who love the left-sided layout on OneNote for the web, OneNote for Mac, and OneNote for iPad, you’ll be thrilled to hear that we’re now bringing this experience to OneNote on Windows client! Using the new Vertical Tabs layout option, you can use a navigation experience similar to other Microsoft 365 apps and services, such as Outlook and Teams.

Now, instead of having all the notebook tabs crammed up below the ribbon, you can have them placed on the left side of your screen so you can switch to whichever tab you need to access instantly.

With that said, however, Microsoft also said that only users with Version 2302 (Build 16124.20000) or later on Windows 11 devices can access this update. That means Windows 10 users may need to wait a little longer.

With that said, however, being an insider-only feature means that Microsoft is using very few select users to experiment with this functionality before rolling it out to general users.

So, if you don’t see options to change it, or you do but you also run into some uncomfortable bugs, it’s bound to happen.

FAQ

How do I switch between vertical and horizontal tabs in OneNote?

Open View, then select Tabs Layout. Choose Vertical Tabs or Horizontal Tabs based on your preference.

How do I change the page layout in OneNote?

Go to View, select Paper Size, and adjust the width or choose a predefined layout to match your needs.

How do I get the old OneNote layout back?

Switch to OneNote 2016 or enable the legacy navigation layout in the Windows app under Settings > Options > Navigation if available in your build.

How do I simplify the layout for distraction-free writing?

Open View, then turn on Immersive Reader or hide unnecessary panes using Hide Page List and Hide Navigation for a cleaner workspace.

You can learn more about customizing OneNote by checking this guide on how to move tabs to the top, which explains another layout option you can adjust on Windows.

If you’re just starting out and want a broader overview, read our complete how to use OneNote guide to learn all the basics alongside layout tips.

For more notebook management options, you can also see our tutorial on how to delete a OneNote notebook, and learn how to create a new notebook in OneNote so you can organize fresh notes whenever you need.

Do you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments!

More about the topics: Microsoft OneNote

Rafly Gilang

Rafly is a journalist with growing experience, ranging from technology, business, social, and culture. A holder of the Romanian government scholarship, his writing has been published in several local and national publications.