Onenote for Mac - Change layout back to old style - Tab bar missing!!!

Anonymous
2017-01-15T21:00:23+00:00

SURPRISE! The layout of my one note has changed from just having tabs across the top

to taking up 1/3 of my screen showing some navigation pane. 

THIS IS SUCH A WASTE OF SPACE! Everything is so small now on my screen I can't read my notes!!! I am so frustrated after looking and looking though every menu and preference on the entire software, I can't tell how to switch it back. I must have done it some how because on another account it looks like it the old style. Please SOMEONE HELP!!!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2017-07-02T21:40:16+00:00

YOU WILL THANK ME FOR SAVING YOUR LIFE :)

THE FOLLOWING WORKS 100% TO BRING BACK THE VERSION WITH TABS AT TOP.

READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Click the link below 

https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Release-notes-for-Office-2016-for-Mac-ed2da564-6d53-4542-9954-7e3209681a41?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US

Please choose 15.33.0 version. Download this. 

Now don't install just yet. You need to remove the existing OneNote. 

Firstly make sure you sync all your data on onenote across

You have to uninstall the current Onenote completely, otherwise, even if you re-install the 15.33.0, the layout will not go back.

Follow the link below for uninstall instructions.

https://support.office.com/en-gb/article/Remove-OneNote-from-the-Mac-b17944fc-2702-467e-8fec-0b3736054216

Make sure trash is empty

Restart your MAC

Install the Onenote you have downloaded. 

Once installed, open the app and sign in as normal. 

Viola your perfect version of OneNote awaits you. 

Sync your data. 

Finally click help, then click check for updates, and make sure manually check option is highlighted.

NEVER UPDATE AGAIN.

Was this answer helpful?

80+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2017-01-17T16:42:19+00:00

First, we'd like to thank you for using OneNote!    As you’ve noticed, we have made some recent design updates and we’ve done this for a couple of reasons.               

We've refined the experience in OneNote based on feedback from existing customers who have asked for a more consistent navigation model for organizing their notebooks, sections, and pages across devices.  In addition, these changes represent our aim to create products with “Inclusive Design” in mind, enabling customers who rely on accessibility tools, such as a Screen Reader, to access their notes all from one place.

We encourage you to try the new navigation and let us know  what you like, what you don't like, and where we might improve. Your willingness to give us early feedback is much appreciated and can help shape the future of OneNote for millions of other customers.  Please reply to this thread with your thoughts as we do read these. 

Denise, OneNote Team

Was this answer helpful?

60+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

133 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2017-01-23T04:58:41+00:00

    Hi Denise,

    I moved from Evernote for the very reason of the "old" layout of OneNote, if this new layout were to become permanent I will be going back.

    It's an EPIC waste of space.

    Please don't keep it, take the advice on hand. 

    Even better leave it as an "Option" and add screen clipping to the Mac Version ;)

    Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    9 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-01-31T22:03:53+00:00

    Hi CWMARCELIS 

    The option to bring the tabs back on your iPad is there! The steps are:

    • Log into OneNote
    • Hit the 3 lines on the top left hand side
    • Next to your email address should be a settings icon
    • Click it
    • It says 'OneNote preview: 'Enable Experimental Features' TURN THAT OFF.

    it will allow you to go back to the original format with the tabs.

    Hopefully this also helps anyone wanting to change back.

    Was this answer helpful?

    8 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-01-22T22:10:42+00:00

    I agree with the other comments.  The experimental interface is bearable on my Mac but most definitely not on my MacBook Pro where it takes up far too much screen space.  The tabs are much better and, as JennKen said, much more visually appealing and functional.  If you must implement the new feature, have it as an option for those who want to use it.

    Separate related question:  how does one restore the tabs in the online version of OneNote?

    Was this answer helpful?

    6 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments