How to Set Paper Margins in OneNote (FREE Template)

So, you've got your notes all nicely written out in OneNote and you want to save them as a PDF file to print them out. The next moment, you realise your notes get cut into half due to OneNote's infinite canvas...

If that is you right now, we have a solution for you!

Disclaimer: These hacks only works in OneNote for Windows computers, and will not work on a MacBook or iPad.

Method 1: Inserting Paper Templates (Windows Only)

This method works by setting precise measurements of paper frames in the page so as to optimise the size of the text and drawings. After hours, we have come up with a ideal paper template that will fit perfectly within printing margins for various sizes. (A4, Letter, A3, A5 sizes).

If you would like to make these paper templates yourselves, insert printouts into OneNote and adjust the sizes till they fit perfectly in the exporting page. This is perfect if you want paper types that are not available in OneNote, like Dots or Music sheet.

However, for the rest of us who just wants something ready-made, join our newsletter to gain access to the freebie stash!

Downloading & Importing the Free Template

You will need a desktop to do the importation before syncing this across your devices.

Step 1: Download the 'OneNote A4 Notebook' zip file from the freebie stash. Unzip the file in your computer.

Step 2: Using Google Chrome, go to OneNote Notebook Importer. Sign in to your OneDrive account for importation. Clear your cache if you encounter any error about signing in too many times.

Step 3: Click 'Import' and select the unzipped notebook folder. (DO NOT select on the individual contents)

Step 4: When done, click on 'View Notebook' then on 'Open in Desktop App' to open in your OneNote desktop app.

Using Paper Templates

To use these templates, copy the page with the paper type and size that you want. Then paste it in any notebook or section. Start writing or typing, it's that simple!

Adding or Removing Paper Templates

To add paper template,

1. Turn on 'Medium Grid' in your desktop app. (View > Rule Lines > Medium Grid).

2. Copy the last frame for the template

3. Paste the picture existing 4 boxes below the last frame.

To remove excess paper template, click on the excess frames and delete them.

Exporting or Printing Paper Templates

To export page as PDF file,

1. Remove grids in your desktop app. (View > Rule Lines > None).

2. Go to 'Print' and make sure that your printer is set to 'Microsoft Print to PDF'.

3. Under 'More Settings', change the paper orientation and paper size.

4. Click on 'Print' to save it as a PDF.

To print page,

1. Do the above steps to save the page as a PDF first.

2. Connect your printer, and print out the PDF.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Prints the exact paper size you want

• Clean margins at the side

• Customisable paper types (blank, lined, dots, music available in free template)

Cons:

• Only works in Windows laptops and computers

• Manual process to add or remove paper frames

• Paper types may differ in measurements when adjusting

Method 2: Inserting an Extended Table (Windows Only)

Here's the trick: insert a 1x1 table at the top of the page and entering your notes directly inside the table. OneNote's printing mechanism in Windows works by recognising the widest point in your entire page. By adding the table, the right edge of the table is now recognised as the right edge of the paper.

Now, you just have to make sure your printing setting's scaling is matched to 'Fit to page' and your notes will fit perfectly for any sizes!

Using the Extended Table Method for Printing/Exporting

Step 1: Under Insert, click on 'Table' and select a 1x1 table.

Step 2: Copy your existing notes or type in your new notes into this 1x1 table.

• Drawing is supported as well

• Smaller tables can be inserted in this big table for notetaking

Step 3: Select the text placeholder of the big table

Step 4: Under Table, click on 'Hide Borders' to hide borders of 1x1 table.

Step 5: Go to Print, make sure your scaling settings is set to 'Fit to scale'.

Step 6: Print!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Prints in any paper size you want

• Quick and easy fix for existing notes

Cons:

• Only works in Windows laptops and computers

• No customisable paper type

• Manual adjustment for multiple pages

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