Office Settings & Configuration

How to Create a Larger Ruled Page in OneNote

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 1, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to create an extended or larger ruled page in OneNote for continuous handwritten notes, avoiding the need to add multiple separate pages.

How to Create a Larger Ruled Page in OneNote

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Writing continuous handwritten notes on a ruled template without constantly switching or creating new pages.
Observed behavior: OneNote does not provide an infinitely long ruled page by default, requiring users to manually define a custom paper size for extended note-taking.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of OneNote (formerly OneNote 2016), as the Paper Size customization feature is typically limited or unavailable in OneNote for Windows 10, Mac, or the web.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize Page Size and Apply Ruled Lines

Adjust the default paper size settings to a larger custom dimension and apply a ruled-line template to act as an extended canvas for your handwriting.

While OneNote pages with the 'Auto' size setting can expand infinitely, applying ruled lines often results in them not rendering properly as the page grows. By setting a fixed but much larger custom page size, you can ensure ruled lines display consistently across your entire writing area.

Navigate to the View Tab

Open your OneNote desktop application and select the 'View' tab located on the top ribbon.

Open Paper Size Settings

In the Page Setup group, click on 'Paper Size'. This will open the Paper Size configuration pane on the right side of the screen.

Define Custom Dimensions

Under the 'Size' dropdown menu in the right pane, select 'Custom'. Then, enter a significantly larger number in both the 'Width' and 'Height' fields to expand the page area.

Apply a Ruled-Lines Template

Close the Paper Size pane. Still on the 'View' tab, click on 'Rule Lines' and select your preferred line spacing (e.g., Standard Ruled or College Ruled). The lines will now populate across your newly enlarged custom page.

Customize Page Size and Apply Ruled Lines

Save as Template: If you plan to use this larger ruled page frequently, you can save it as a template by clicking 'Save current page as a template' at the bottom of the Paper Size pane.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Paper Size options missing in my OneNote?

The Paper Size feature is exclusive to the traditional OneNote desktop application. If you are using OneNote for Windows 10, OneNote for Mac, or OneNote on the web, this feature is currently not supported.

Can I make a OneNote page truly infinite?

Yes, by leaving the Paper Size setting on 'Auto', the page will expand infinitely as you type or draw. However, if you are specifically using ruled lines, they may not automatically generate or align correctly as the canvas expands, which is why a large custom size is recommended for handwritten notes.

Will my ruled lines scale automatically if I adjust the custom size later?

Yes. If you go back into the Paper Size pane and increase the width or height further, the ruled lines template will automatically populate the new extended space without requiring you to reapply it.

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