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How to Set Ruled Lines as Default in OneNote for Android

Nimra Malik Oct 12, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to set ruled lines as the default page layout for all new notes in the OneNote Android app, similar to the capability available in the Windows desktop version.

How to Set Ruled Lines as the Default Layout in OneNote for Android

Product: Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS: Android
Scenario: Customizing the default page layout and background styles for easier handwriting and note-taking on a mobile device.
Observed behavior: The user successfully found how to apply ruled lines to a single page but is unable to locate a setting to make this the permanent default for all newly created pages.

Before you start

Ensure your OneNote app is updated to the latest version from the Google Play Store to access the most recent page style features and menus.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Ruled Lines to Your OneNote Android Page

Use the pen tool menu to manually apply ruled or grid lines to your current OneNote page.

While OneNote for Android allows you to customize the background of individual pages, it currently lacks a global setting to make ruled lines the permanent default for all new pages.

You will need to manually adjust the page style for new notes using the in-app menu.

Open a Notebook Page

Launch the OneNote app on your Android device, open an existing notebook, and tap to open the specific page you want to format.

Activate the Drawing Menu

Tap the pen icon located in the upper-right corner of the screen to activate the drawing and formatting tools.

Open the Page Settings

Once the pen menu is active, tap the three-dot menu icon (More Options) in the top right corner.

Select Rule Lines

Tap on 'Page Style' from the dropdown menu, then choose 'Rule Lines' and select your preferred spacing or grid layout.

Apply Ruled Lines to Your OneNote Android Page

Limitation on Android: Unlike the Windows desktop version, the Android app does not currently feature a 'Set as Default' toggle for page styles. You must repeat these steps for each new page that requires ruled lines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a permanent default page style in OneNote for Android?

Currently, OneNote for Android does not support a global setting to make ruled or grid lines the permanent default for all new pages. This feature is predominantly available on the Windows desktop version.

Why can't I find the Page Style option in the Android menu?

The Page Style option is hidden under the drawing menu. You must first tap the pen icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, and then tap the three-dot menu to reveal the 'Page Style' settings.

Do page styles sync across my devices?

Yes. If you apply ruled lines to a page on your Android device, or create a default ruled page on your Windows PC, the ruled background will sync and display correctly when you open that page on any other device.

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