Office Settings & Configuration

How to Change Existing Ink Color in OneNote Desktop

Natalie Taylor Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to modify the color of already drawn ink strokes in OneNote Desktop and how to prevent automatic touch-to-ink activation that causes accidental marks.

How to Change Existing Ink Color in OneNote Desktop

Product: Microsoft OneNote Desktop
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing handwritten notes and drawings while trying to navigate the page using touch without creating unintended marks.
Observed behavior: OneNote Desktop requires opening a Pen Properties dialog to change existing ink colors, unlike OneNote for Windows 10, and selecting a pen by touch automatically enables touch-to-ink without a separate setting to disable it.

Before you start

Ensure you have selected the Lasso Select tool or the standard typing cursor so you can easily highlight the specific ink strokes you want to modify without accidentally drawing new lines.

Solution 1Recommended

Change Ink Color via Pen Properties

Use the right-click Pen Properties menu to adjust the color and thickness of strokes you have already drawn.

OneNote Desktop does not currently offer the quick pen-color workflow found in OneNote for Windows 10. To alter ink that has already been placed on the page, you must manually adjust its properties.

Select the ink

Use the Lasso Select tool to circle or click the existing ink strokes you want to change.

Open the context menu

Right-click on the selected ink to open the options menu.

Access Pen Properties

Click on 'Pen Properties' from the drop-down list.

Apply new color

Select your desired color and thickness from the dialog box, then click 'OK' to save the changes.

Solution 2

Manage Touch-to-Ink Behavior

Toggle the touch input setting on the Draw tab to prevent random marks when navigating with your fingers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the ink color of multiple strokes at once in OneNote Desktop?

Yes. You can use the Lasso Select tool found on the Draw tab to circle multiple ink strokes at the same time. Once they are highlighted, right-click anywhere on the selection and choose Pen Properties to change the color for all selected strokes simultaneously.

Why does my finger draw lines instead of scrolling the page?

This occurs when the 'Draw with Touch' feature is actively enabled. You can toggle this behavior off by going to the Draw tab on the ribbon and clicking the 'Draw with Touch' icon, which will allow you to navigate, scroll, and zoom using your fingers without leaving ink trails.

Is there a quick color palette for existing ink like in OneNote for Windows 10?

No, OneNote Desktop currently requires you to navigate through the right-click Pen Properties dialog to change the color of already drawn ink. It lacks the quick pop-up palette workflow that is available in OneNote for Windows 10.

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