Printing Problems

How to Create a Custom Paper Size in OneNote

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to configure a custom paper size in OneNote with an 8.5-inch width and an extended length, but is restricted by application limits.

How to Create a Custom Paper Size in OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a document with a specific layout requiring an unusually long page format for digital exporting or printing.
Observed behavior: OneNote restricts the maximum custom page length to approximately 55.88 cm (22 inches) and has unexpectedly switched measurement units to metric.

Before you start

Ensure you have the full, manufacturer-provided driver package installed for your printer, as generic Windows drivers often lack the ability to define custom paper sizes.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Custom Paper Size via Printer Properties

Since custom paper limits are heavily dictated by your printer driver, defining the size directly in your system's printer settings can help bypass default application limitations.

OneNote relies on your installed printer drivers to determine available page dimensions. By creating a user-defined size in your system preferences, you can make it available to OneNote.

Open Windows Printer Settings

Navigate to your Windows Settings, select 'Devices', and click on 'Printers & scanners'.

Access Printer Preferences

Click on your default printer and select 'Manage', then click on 'Printing preferences' or 'Printer properties'.

Define Custom Size

Look for a 'Custom Paper Size' or 'User-Defined' button (location varies by manufacturer). Enter your desired width (8.5 inches) and length, then save the profile.

Apply in OneNote

Restart OneNote, go to the 'View' tab, click 'Paper Size', and attempt to select your newly created custom size from the print dialog.

Configure Custom Paper Size via Printer Properties

OneNote Hard Limits: Even with a custom printer profile, OneNote retains a hard-coded maximum page length of 22 inches (55.88 cm) for fixed layouts. If your length exceeds this, you will need to use alternative methods.

Solution 2

Use the 'Auto' Page Size Feature

If your primary goal is to have an infinitely scrolling page without a hard cutoff limit, using OneNote's Auto layout is the most effective native solution.

Solution 3

Export to a Dedicated Word Processor

If you absolutely must print a document on a continuous layout exceeding 22 inches, exporting the content to a full-featured word processor is required.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Overcome Page Formatting Limits with WPS Office

If Microsoft OneNote's strict 22-inch paper size restrictions are hindering your workflow, WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight alternative. WPS Writer provides precise control over page layouts, custom paper sizes, and margins without arbitrary length restrictions, making it much easier to format long documents for print or digital distribution.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the official website and open WPS Writer.
2. Open Exported Notes: Open your exported .docx file from OneNote directly within WPS Writer.
3. Set Custom Size: Navigate to the 'Page Layout' tab, select 'Size', and input your exact custom dimensions.

Bypass restrictive 22-inch paper size limits found in OneNote.Seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF formats.Free, lightweight, and features an intuitive tabbed interface for easy document management.Advanced print dialog options to manage custom paper configurations directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did OneNote change my page measurements to metric (cm)?

OneNote inherits its measurement units from your Windows regional settings. To change this back to inches, go to your Windows Control Panel, select 'Region', click 'Additional settings', and change the Measurement system from 'Metric' to 'U.S.'.

What is the absolute maximum paper size allowed in OneNote?

When using a fixed paper layout, OneNote imposes a maximum dimension limit of approximately 55.88 cm (22 inches) for both the width and the length of a single page.

How will an 'Auto' sized OneNote page print on standard paper?

Because the 'Auto' setting removes fixed boundaries, OneNote will automatically slice your continuous digital notes across multiple standard-sized pages (like Letter or A4) when sent to a physical printer.

Document & File Issues