Template Issues

How to Create a OneNote Template with a Custom Background Image

Ayan Masood Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to create a reusable OneNote template featuring a custom decorative background image.

How to Create a OneNote Template with a Custom Background Image

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating standardized or visually appealing notes using custom images or borders as fixed page backgrounds.
Observed behavior: The user needs the precise workflow to insert an image, lock it to the background, and save the customized page as a reusable template.

Before you start

Ensure you have the background image saved to your local drive and that you are using the desktop version of OneNote, as template features are limited in the web version.

Solution 1Recommended

Creating and Saving a Custom Background Template in OneNote

Follow these direct steps within OneNote to insert an image, lock it as a background, and save the page layout for future use.

By setting a picture as the background, you ensure that it cannot be accidentally selected or moved while you are typing your notes over it.

Create a new page

Open OneNote, navigate to the desired notebook and section, and select 'Add page' to create a blank canvas.

Insert the background image

Go to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click 'Pictures', and choose the decorative border or image you want to use from your device.

Set the picture as a background

Resize and position the image to cover the page as desired. Right-click on the image and select 'Set Picture as Background' from the context menu.

Save the page as a template

Navigate to the 'View' tab on the ribbon, select 'Paper Size', and look at the Paper Size pane that appears on the right. Click 'Save current page as a template'.

Name and store the template

Enter a descriptive name for your new template in the dialog box and click 'Save'. You can now apply this design to any new page by accessing it under 'My Templates'.

Creating and Saving a Custom Background Template in OneNote

Design Tip: Choose a high-resolution, light-colored or semi-transparent image to ensure that your overlaid text remains highly readable.

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1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
2. Set up your document background: Open WPS Writer, go to the 'Page Layout' tab, and select 'Page Color' or 'Watermark' to add your custom background image.
3. Save as a custom template: Click 'Menu' > 'Save As' and choose 'WPS Writer Template (.wpt)' to easily reuse your customized document design in the future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use custom templates in OneNote for the Web?

Currently, the ability to save and apply custom page templates is fully supported in the OneNote desktop application, but it is limited or unavailable in OneNote for the Web.

How do I edit an existing OneNote template?

To edit a template, you must open a new page using the existing template, make your desired changes, and then save the new page as a template again. You can overwrite the old name or create a new one.

Why did my text disappear after setting the picture as a background?

If you inserted text before the image, setting the image as a background might cover the existing text boxes. Ensure you set the image as the background first before typing, or carefully arrange the order of your elements.

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