Office for Mac Issues

How to Turn Off Automatic Bullets and Numbering in OneNote for Mac

Camila Milosovich Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to stop typed lines from automatically converting into bulleted or numbered lists in OneNote for Mac.

How to Turn Off Automatic Bullets and Numbering in OneNote for Mac

Product: OneNote for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Typing notes where text starting with specific characters (like numbers, asterisks, or dashes) automatically changes into a formatted list.
Observed behavior: OneNote for Mac automatically converts specific typed lines into bulleted or numbered lists, and there is no visible setting in the application preferences to disable this auto-formatting behavior.

Before you start

Keep in mind that Microsoft OneNote for Mac does not currently feature a native toggle to permanently disable automatic list formatting. You will need to rely on quick keyboard shortcuts to revert the auto-correction as you type.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Undo Shortcut to Revert Automatic Lists

Since there is no global preference to turn off this feature in OneNote for Mac, utilizing the Undo command immediately after the formatting occurs is the standard workaround.

When OneNote detects list-like characters (such as an asterisk or the number 1 followed by a period and a space), it automatically applies list formatting. Reverting this instantly allows you to keep your plain text.

Type your text

Enter the character (like '1.' or '-') followed by a space. OneNote will automatically format the line into a list.

Undo the automatic formatting

Immediately press the 'Command + Z' shortcut on your Mac keyboard. This action reverts the automatic list conversion but keeps the text you just typed intact.

Use the Undo Shortcut to Revert Automatic Lists

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: You can request a dedicated setting for this feature by submitting feedback directly to Microsoft. In OneNote for Mac, navigate to Help > Improve Office > I Don't Like Something.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Better Formatting Control on Mac

If rigid auto-formatting in applications like OneNote disrupts your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, giving you granular control over auto-correct and list formatting settings.

1. Download and Install: Click the download button to install the free WPS Office suite on your Mac.
2. Adjust Formatting Settings: Open WPS Writer, navigate to the AutoCorrect settings in the Preferences menu, and disable the automatic lists feature.
3. Migrate Your Notes: Copy your notes into WPS Writer to enjoy complete control over your document's layout and formatting without unexpected changes.

Easily toggle automatic bullets and numbering on or off within the AutoCorrect settings.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Lightweight software optimized for fast performance on macOS.Free to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft add a toggle to disable automatic lists in OneNote for Mac?

Currently, Microsoft does not provide a built-in toggle in the Mac version of OneNote, although similar settings exist in other versions. Users are encouraged to submit feedback via 'Help > Improve Office' to request the feature.

Can I disable auto-formatting for other Office apps on Mac?

Yes. Unlike OneNote, applications like Microsoft Word for Mac allow you to disable automatic bulleted and numbered lists by going to Tools > AutoCorrect > AutoFormat As You Type and unchecking the automatic lists options.

What is the keyboard shortcut to undo auto-formatting on Mac?

You can press 'Command + Z' immediately after an application automatically converts your text into a list. This reverts the format change while keeping your original text.

Does WPS Office allow you to turn off automatic numbering?

Yes, WPS Office provides dedicated AutoCorrect settings where you can easily disable automatic bulleted and numbered lists, giving you full control over how your text behaves as you type.

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