How to Add More Pens in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Question details
The user wants to restore or add additional drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers) in Word or PowerPoint after a recent Office update reduced the available slots.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Customizing the Draw tab for inking, drawing, and annotating documents or presentations on a 2-in-1 laptop.
- Observed behavior
- After a Microsoft 365 update, the Draw tab interface limits the user to a maximum of three pens, showing fewer tools than previous versions.
Check your current Microsoft Office version to confirm if you are using Microsoft 365 or an older standalone release like Office 2019, as the available inking features and pen limits differ between versions.
Customize the Available Pen Presets in the Draw Tab
Since recent Microsoft 365 updates limit the number of active pens to three, you can quickly customize these available slots to match the colors and thicknesses you need for your current task.
The reduction in pen slots is an intentional design change by Microsoft to streamline the inking interface. While you cannot add unlimited pens like in older versions, you can modify the existing ones on the fly.
Launch Microsoft Word or PowerPoint and navigate to the 'Draw' tab on the top ribbon menu.
Click on one of the existing pen icons to select it, then click it a second time to open the customization drop-down menu.
Choose your preferred ink color from the palette and adjust the thickness slider to your desired preset.
Repeat this process for the other two available pen slots to ensure your three most frequently used drawing tools are readily accessible.
Submit Feedback to Microsoft Office
If the three-pen limit negatively impacts your workflow, the best course of action is to submit official feedback requesting the return of additional pen slots.
Enjoy Seamless Document Creation and Editing with WPS Office
If unwanted interface changes and feature limitations in Microsoft Office disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a familiar, intuitive layout with robust document editing and presentation tools without restrictive updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my pens disappear in Word and PowerPoint after an update?
Recent updates to Microsoft 365 overhauled the Draw tab interface, limiting the layout to a maximum of three customizable pens to simplify the user interface. This replaced the older design that allowed for numerous customized pen slots.
Can I revert to the old Draw tab interface with more pens?
No, Microsoft does not provide a built-in toggle or setting to revert to the older Draw tab interface in Microsoft 365. Users must adapt to customizing the currently available limited slots.
Does this pen limit apply to older versions like Office 2019?
Generally, no. The three-pen limitation was introduced in recent Microsoft 365 updates. Older standalone versions, such as Office 2019 or Office 2016, typically retain the legacy inking interface with more drawing tools.
How do I add a highlighter if all my pen slots are full?
The Draw tab features a dedicated highlighter tool that is separate from the standard pen slots. You can click the highlighter icon to customize its color and thickness without overwriting any of your three standard pen presets.
