How to Show or Hide the Sidebar in OneNote for Mac (Keyboard Shortcut)
Question details
The user is looking for a keyboard shortcut to quickly toggle the navigation sidebar in OneNote for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Organizing notes and trying to maximize screen space by hiding or showing the navigation pane without having to use the mouse.
- Observed behavior
- Currently, the user has to manually click the Hide Navigation button because there is no known built-in keyboard shortcut assigned to this action, and the command cannot be found via Help to create a custom one.
Ensure your OneNote for Mac is updated to the latest version, as Microsoft occasionally introduces new keyboard shortcuts and features in software updates.
Manually Toggle the Navigation Pane
Since a direct keyboard shortcut is currently unavailable, use the built-in interface options to manage your workspace.
While OneNote for Mac lacks a specific hotkey for the sidebar, you can use built-in buttons and macOS window shortcuts to maximize your note-taking area.
Look for the 'Hide Navigation' or 'Show Navigation' icon (which resembles a small bookshelf) in the upper-left corner of the OneNote window.
Click this button using your mouse or trackpad to collapse the sidebar and expand your note-taking area. Click it again to restore the navigation pane.
Alternatively, press Control + Command + F on your keyboard to enter Full Screen mode, which automatically hides distractions and maximizes your workspace.
Attempting Custom macOS Shortcuts (Workaround Limitations)
You can normally create custom keyboard shortcuts for Mac apps, but this requires the command to exist in the app's top menu bar.
Try WPS Office for a Streamlined Workspace on Mac
If you are frustrated by interface limitations and missing shortcuts in Microsoft Office apps on Mac, try WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, all-in-one tabbed interface that makes managing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations incredibly easy without cluttered sidebars.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Enjoy a Tabbed Interface: Launch WPS Office and open your files. Enjoy seamlessly switching between different documents using the top tabs, maximizing your screen space naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a third-party app to create a shortcut for the OneNote sidebar?
Yes, third-party macro tools like Keyboard Maestro or BetterTouchTool can simulate mouse clicks on specific screen coordinates. This can act as a workaround to automatically click the 'Hide Navigation' button via a custom keyboard shortcut.
Where can I find a list of all supported OneNote for Mac keyboard shortcuts?
You can find the comprehensive list of supported shortcuts by visiting the official Microsoft Support website and searching for 'Keyboard shortcuts in OneNote for Mac'.
Will Microsoft add a shortcut for the navigation pane in the future?
Microsoft frequently updates its Office suite based on user feedback. Submitting a request through the Microsoft Feedback Portal increases the likelihood of the sidebar toggle shortcut being added in future updates.
