Draw and sketch notes in OneNote for Windows 8

OneNote for Windows 8 supports basic ink features on PCs and devices with touchscreens so you can handwrite notes and draw or sketch things in your notebook. You can use the pen or stylus that came with your device, or you can draw with your finger.

To write or draw notes with a pen or stylus:

1. Move your pen close to the screen until a radial menu icon appears.

2. Tap to open the radial Draw menu and then do either of the following:

   • Tap the icon of the pen color you want.

   • Tap the arrow next to the pen you want to select the color and thickness of your ink strokes.

3. Move the pen over the page on your screen to begin handwriting or drawing notes.

4. To change pen colors, ink stroke thickness, or to undo or exit drawing at any time, tap the radial menu icon again to display these options.

To write or draw notes using your finger:

1. Tap anywhere on a page, tap the radial menu icon that appears, and then tap Draw.

2. Tap to open the radial Draw menu, and then do either of the following:

   • Tap the icon of the pen color you want.

   • Tap the arrow next to the pen color you want to select the thickness of your ink strokes.

3. Move the tip of your finger over the page on your screen to begin handwriting or drawing notes.

4. To change pen colors, ink stroke thickness, or to undo or exit drawing at any time, tap the radial menu icon again to display these options.

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How can I save my favorite pens?

After you select a pen color and thickness, OneNote saves it in one of the pen slots on the radial Draw menu so you can change to your favorite pens whenever you want to.

How do I move the page while drawing?

To move — or pan — the page display, you need to first exit drawing mode. Tap the Draw icon to open the radial menu, tap Exit Draw, and then pan the page as needed. When you're done, enter drawing mode again from the radial menu.

How do I zoom the page while drawing?

By default, zooming with two fingers is turned off in pan drawing mode. You can enable it by tapping Windows+C and then tapping Settings > Options > Use touch to zoom > On. If you are drawing with your finger, you'll need to exit drawing mode to zoom the page.

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