Microsoft OneNote Gets Major UI Redesign With Modern Look, Improvements To Inking And Transcription

Last Updated on May 25, 2022 by Anu Joy

After teasing a unified OneNote app for Windows last year, Microsoft has announced new design changes for the app. The new look now matches the design language of Windows 11. The latest update comes with various cosmetic tweaks, accompanied by improved sharing and organizing capabilities. Beta testers will be able to check out the new design changes.

Microsoft OneNote Updated Design

Last year, OneNote’s ribbon was redesigned to complement the Windows 11 aesthetic. Now, the design refresh carries over to the navigation panes and full screen mode as well. Moreover, the app’s page list, dropdown, and section tabs also get a visual overhaul. This update allows you to utilise the Mica effect, which lets the Windows 11 theme and desktop wallpaper show through the app window. The app also gets rounded corners and updated animations.

Microsoft OneNote Features

The latest OneNote update also brings some functional changes. There’s a new unread indicator which will display sections with unread changes, similar to those found in other Office apps. Additionally, the ribbon has been simplified to offer more space for content. Another feature is “update under lock”, which downloads and installs updates when you’re away and your computer is locked.

Drawing capabilities also get a revamp with the updated draw tab. It brings writing and drawing tools that are similar to those used in Word and Excel apps. Microsoft promises to roll out more features in the coming months, such as improvements to ink quality, a new pencil, pen focus view, and ink replay.

The update will bring a transcription and ink option, which will help take notes and transcribe records. You will also be able to dictate notes to the OneNote app which will use AI-powered voice commands to add and organize your text.

The new “insert from camera” feature which fires up the Windows camera app will allow you to add images in the app. This is currently available to Windows Insiders only. Other nifty features such as page sorting will allow you to organize notes according to their names and dates.

Microsoft OneNote Update Timeline

Microsoft is working on upgrading the OneNote desktop app and plans to integrate features from the Windows 10 version with the main unified app. While the tech giant hasn’t revealed when the unified app will be rolled out, we can expect it to arrive sometime in the future.