Office Settings & Configuration

OneNote for Mac Keyboard Shortcut to Toggle the Navigation Pane

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know if there is a native keyboard shortcut to quickly show or hide the Navigation pane in OneNote for Mac without relying on mouse clicks.

Keyboard Shortcut to Toggle the Navigation Pane in OneNote for Mac
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
macOS
Scenario
Optimizing workspace layout and improving workflow efficiency using keyboard shortcuts.
Observed behavior
Users are unable to find or execute a built-in keyboard shortcut to toggle the Navigation pane on and off.
Before you start

Ensure your OneNote for Mac application is updated to the latest version, as Microsoft occasionally introduces new shortcuts and features in software updates.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Alternative Navigation and Submit Feedback

Since there is no native keyboard shortcut, you must use the View menu to toggle the pane or submit a feature request to Microsoft.

Unfortunately, Microsoft OneNote for Mac currently does not support a dedicated built-in keyboard shortcut to toggle the Navigation pane.

As a workaround, you can manage the pane visibility using the top menu bar or try setting up a custom macOS shortcut. Providing direct feedback to Microsoft is the best way to request this feature for future updates.

1
Use the View Menu

Click on 'View' in the top Apple menu bar, navigate to 'Navigation Panes', and manually select whether to show or hide the pane.

2
Submit Feature Feedback

Open OneNote, click on the 'Help' menu at the top of the screen, select 'Submit Feedback', and request the addition of a Navigation pane keyboard shortcut.

3
Review Official Shortcuts

Periodically check the official Microsoft OneNote keyboard shortcuts page for Mac to see if any new shortcuts have been added in recent software updates.

Use Alternative Navigation and Submit Feedback
Custom macOS Shortcuts: You can attempt to create a custom shortcut via Apple System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts by entering the exact menu command name used in OneNote.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts directly within OneNote for Mac?

No, OneNote for Mac does not have a built-in feature to customize keyboard shortcuts. You must rely on the default shortcuts provided by Microsoft or use the native macOS App Shortcuts feature in System Settings.

What is the shortcut to enter Full Screen in OneNote for Mac?

You can enter full-screen mode by clicking the green window button in the top left corner, or by pressing Control + Command + F on your Mac keyboard.

Are keyboard shortcuts identical between OneNote for Windows and Mac?

No, shortcuts often differ between the two operating systems due to different keyboard layouts. For instance, Mac typically uses the Command key instead of the Control key found on Windows.