How to Use OneNote in Full-Page Split-Screen View on Surface Pro
Question details
The user wants to read an article on one half of their Surface Pro screen and take notes in OneNote on the other half, without displaying the sections and pages navigation panes.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- Surface Pro / Windows
- Scenario
- Taking notes alongside reading material without interface clutter.
- Observed behavior
- Requires a full-page note-taking view snapped to one side of the screen alongside a reading app, with all notebook navigation menus hidden.
Verify whether you are using the newer OneNote desktop application or the older OneNote for Windows 10, as the Full Page View feature and interface differ significantly between the two versions.
Enable Full Page View and Use Windows Snap
Activate Full Page View in the OneNote desktop app to hide navigation panes, then use the Windows Snap feature to align it perfectly next to your reading material.
This method utilizes the newer OneNote desktop application, which provides a dedicated Full Page View to eliminate distractions and maximize your note-taking space.
Launch the newer OneNote desktop application on your Surface Pro. Do not open 'OneNote for Windows 10', as it lacks the same View menu options.
Navigate to the 'View' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Full Page View'. Alternatively, click the double-arrow diagonal icon in the top right corner of the window. This will automatically hide your notebooks, sections, and pages panes.
Click and drag the top title bar of the OneNote window to the far left or right edge of your Surface Pro screen until a transparent outline appears, then release it to snap the window to exactly half the screen.
Windows Snap Assist will display thumbnails of your other open applications on the opposite side of the screen. Tap or click your eBook reader, web browser, or PDF application to fill the remaining half of the screen.
Manually Hide Panes in OneNote for Windows 10
If you must use the older OneNote for Windows 10 app, you can manually collapse the navigation panes before snapping the window to split screen.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Reading and Note-Taking
If you want a streamlined way to read documents and take notes side-by-side without juggling different application versions, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It features an integrated tabbed interface that allows you to easily drag a PDF reader tab and a Word document tab into a split-screen view.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite on your Surface Pro.
- 2. Open Your Reading Material: Use the integrated PDF reader or Writer to open your study material.
- 3. Create a Notes Document: Click the '+' icon on the top tab bar to create a new blank Writer document for your notes.
- 4. Split the Screen: Click and drag the notes document tab out of the main window to instantly place it side-by-side with your reading material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneNote for Windows 10 look different from my other OneNote app?
Microsoft maintains two versions of OneNote for Windows: the older 'OneNote for Windows 10' app and the newer 'OneNote' desktop app. They feature different interfaces, and only the newer desktop application includes the dedicated Full Page View button on the View tab.
How do I trigger Windows split-screen on my Surface Pro without a physical keyboard?
Using the touch screen, swipe down slightly from the top edge of an app window and drag it to the left or right side of the screen until it snaps. Alternatively, in Windows 11, you can tap and hold the maximize icon at the top right of the window to select a specific snap layout.
How do I get my OneNote notebook panes back after using Full Page View?
To restore your notebook navigation panes, look for the double-arrow diagonal icon located in the top-right corner of the OneNote screen. Clicking it will exit Full Page View and return the interface to normal.
