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How to Fix Missing Color and Thickness Palette in OneNote 2016
Question details
The user cannot locate the Color and Thickness palette on the ribbon when attempting to use their Surface Pen.
- Product
- OneNote 2016
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Using a Surface Pen for inking, writing, and drawing within the OneNote application.
- Observed behavior
- The Color and Thickness option has disappeared from the Draw tab, even though the Surface Pen remains successfully connected and functions correctly in other Windows applications.
Verify that you are using the desktop version of OneNote 2016, as the interface and ribbon settings differ significantly from the OneNote for Windows 10 application.
Restore the Default Ribbon Configuration
Resetting the ribbon to its default settings is the most effective way to recover hidden or corrupted commands, including the Color and Thickness palette.
Ribbon layouts can sometimes become corrupted or accidentally modified, causing essential inking tools to disappear. A quick reset restores the original factory layout of your tabs.
Launch OneNote 2016. Click on the File tab located in the top-left corner of the window, then select Options from the bottom of the sidebar menu.
In the OneNote Options dialog box, click on Customize Ribbon in the left-hand navigation pane.
Look at the bottom right corner of the Customize the Ribbon section. Click the Reset button and choose Reset all customizations from the dropdown menu.
Click OK to save your changes. Close OneNote 2016 completely and reopen it to verify that the Draw tab and its palettes have been restored.
Manually Add the Color and Thickness Command
If a full ribbon reset does not bring the tool back, you can manually locate the specific command and add it directly to your Draw tab.
Try WPS Office for a Stable and Free Office Experience
If you are tired of troubleshooting missing ribbon commands and complex configuration issues in Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with excellent format compatibility and an intuitive interface that stays out of your way while you work.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the download button for the free version.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Start Creating: Launch WPS Office to access Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation with a clean, user-friendly interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to re-pair my Surface Pen to fix the missing palette?
No. If your Surface Pen continues to work in other Windows applications (such as taking screenshots or snipping), the Bluetooth pairing is functioning correctly. The issue is specific to the OneNote 2016 ribbon configuration.
Why did the Color and Thickness option disappear from OneNote?
This commonly happens due to a corrupted ribbon configuration file, a temporary software glitch, or accidental removal of the command during customization.
Are the ribbon settings the same for OneNote for Windows 10?
No, OneNote 2016 and OneNote for Windows 10 have completely different interfaces. OneNote 2016 utilizes the classic File menu for detailed ribbon customization, whereas the Windows 10 app relies on a simplified Settings pane.
