Microsoft starts testing new OneNote design overhaul

Image: Microsoft

The new OneNote design refresh is being tested by Microsoft. The software maker teased the visual update last year, revealing that it will unify its OneNote and OneNote for Windows 10 apps into a single OneNote app. Some of the new design changes for OneNote can be accessed by the alpha testers in the traditional desktop version.

The design changes allow OneNote to fit in with the rest of the Windows 11 aesthetic. The navigation panes and full-screen mode are being updated. The general app window of OneNote uses the Mica effect, which is used in the Windows 11 theme and desktop wallpaper.

Image: Microsoft

The new look for OneNote has rounded corners and updated animations. There is a new unread indicator that matches the rest of Office and makes it easier to see pages with unread changes. There is an optional simplified ribbon which is something in between hiding the ribbon and using the full-height version.

If you like using OneNote to take digital ink notes, the latest version includes an updated draw tab with tools that are similar to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This updated tab has features like Ink to shape, Ruler, and Ink to text. The Surface Slim Pen 2 has a feel of pen on paper and is supported by OneNote. A new pen focus view and ink replay will be added by Microsoft.

Image: Microsoft

Users will be able to sort pages by date created, date modified, or alphabetically. A new sharing experience and insert picture feature from the Windows camera app are available for testing right now, and the rest of the changes are coming soon.

The main unified app will be updated to include the features from the touch-friendly OneNote for Windows 10. Expect the OneNote for Windows 10 app to exist for some time yet, because there is no exact timetable for when this work will be complete.