Template Issues

How to Add Dot-Grid and Custom Paper Styles in OneNote

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to set up dot-grid or other custom paper styles as backgrounds in OneNote.

How to Add Dot-Grid and Custom Paper Styles in OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a digital notebook page with a dot-grid layout for bullet journaling or organized note-taking.
Observed behavior: OneNote lacks a built-in native dot-grid paper style in its default options, prompting the need for a workaround.

Before you start

Prepare a high-quality image file of a dot-grid pattern or your preferred custom paper design to use as the page background.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Save a Custom Page Template

Use this method to manually insert a background image of your preferred paper style and save it as a reusable template.

Although Microsoft has not officially added dot-grid paper styles to OneNote, you can bypass this limitation by using custom page templates. By setting an image as the background, you can write or type seamlessly over the dot grid.

Insert the background image

Open a blank page in OneNote. Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Pictures', and upload your downloaded dot-grid or custom paper image.

Set picture as background

Resize the image so it properly covers the page area. Right-click the image and select 'Set Picture as Background'. This locks the image in place so it will not move when you add notes.

Open Page Templates

Go to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click 'Page Templates', and then select 'Page Templates' from the dropdown menu to open the templates pane.

Save as a new template

At the bottom of the Page Templates pane, click on 'Save current page as a template'. Type a name for your template (e.g., 'Dot-Grid Paper') and click 'Save'.

Template Reusability: Once saved, you can instantly apply this dot-grid background to any new page by selecting it from the 'My Templates' section in the Page Templates pane.

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1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set my dot-grid template as the default for all new OneNote pages?

Yes. When you click 'Save current page as a template', check the box labeled 'Set as default template for new pages in the current section'. Any new page added to that specific section will automatically load with your dot-grid background.

Where can I find dot-grid images to use as a background?

You can easily find free printable dot-grid paper patterns online through search engines, digital planning websites, or bullet journaling communities. Save the image to your computer to insert into OneNote.

Why doesn't Microsoft include dot-grid paper natively in OneNote?

Microsoft includes basic ruled lines and square grid lines under the 'View' tab (Rule Lines). However, they have not officially integrated dot-grid styles yet, making custom templates the best available workaround.

Will my custom dot-grid template sync to the OneNote mobile app?

Yes. Once you apply the custom template to a page on the desktop version, the layout and background image will sync across all your devices via your Microsoft account. You can then write on the dot grid using your mobile device or tablet.

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