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Can You Hide the Side Page Panel in OneNote for iPad?

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to permanently hide or collapse the side page panel in the iPad version of OneNote to maximize their available note-taking workspace.

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Maximizing screen space and minimizing interface clutter while taking notes or reviewing documents on an iPad.
Observed behavior: The side page panel remains visible for notebook navigation, and the application does not provide a settings option to permanently hide or collapse it.

Before you start

Ensure your OneNote app is updated to the latest version via the App Store, as interface options and full-screen controls may change or improve with new software releases.

Solution 1Recommended

Utilize Full-Screen Controls and Provide Feedback

Since the side panel cannot be permanently disabled natively, using built-in viewing options and submitting feature requests to Microsoft are the best available courses of action.

Currently, Microsoft OneNote for iPad does not include a built-in feature to completely hide or collapse the left side page panel used for notebook navigation.

However, you can optimize your note-taking space by utilizing the available full-screen interface controls or providing direct feedback to the development team to prioritize this feature in future updates.

Use full-screen mode

Tap the full-screen icon (represented by diagonal arrows) located at the top right of the OneNote interface to expand your note-taking area as much as the app currently allows.

Collapse the on-screen keyboard

Tap anywhere on a blank section of your canvas to hide the on-screen keyboard and minimize the top ribbon, granting you more vertical space to read and review notes.

Submit a feature request

Go to OneNote Settings (the gear icon) > Send Feedback, and request the ability to hide the side navigation panel. Alternatively, visit the Microsoft Feedback portal in your web browser to upvote similar user requests.

App Limitations: The side page panel is a core design element of the OneNote for iPad interface meant to facilitate quick navigation between notebooks, sections, and pages.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Maximize Your iPad Screen Real Estate with WPS Office

If you are frustrated by unchangeable interface panels in other apps, try WPS Office for iPad. It offers a clean, customizable, and lightweight workspace for your documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets without forcing cluttered navigation panels onto your screen.

1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the Apple App Store on your iPad and download the application for free.
2. Open a document: Launch the app and tap the '+' icon to create a new Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet, or PDF.
3. Enjoy a distraction-free workspace: Use the built-in reading mode and full-screen toggles to write and edit your documents without intrusive side panels.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Clean and intuitive interface designed specifically for iPad to maximize your workspace.Lightweight application that saves device storage space while offering powerful note-taking tools.Built-in PDF editing and annotation features for a distraction-free reading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Microsoft add the feature to hide the side panel in OneNote for iPad?

Microsoft frequently updates its applications based on user feedback. Submitting a request through the Microsoft feedback forum or the app's settings is the most effective way to encourage developers to add a toggle for the side page panel in future updates.

Can I hide the side panel in OneNote on a Mac or Windows PC?

Yes, the desktop versions of OneNote for Windows and Mac offer greater flexibility, including options to collapse the navigation panes or use a dedicated Full Page View to hide side panels completely.

How do I maximize my screen space when typing in OneNote for iPad?

You can tap the double-arrow full-screen icon in the top right corner to expand the canvas. Additionally, using a physical Bluetooth keyboard will prevent the iPad's on-screen keyboard from taking up the bottom half of your screen, significantly increasing your visible note-taking area.

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