OneNote Math equation commands (\lvert, \rvert, \norm) no longer render correctly, please help!

Question

OneNote Math equation commands (\lvert, \rvert, \norm) no longer render correctly, please help!

Wayne Pinnock 0

It seems after a recent update months ago made the math equations commands /\lvert, /\vert, and \norm no longer work, they used to work perfectly to create the norm symbol ‖ ‖. I waited months before writing this because I thought it would be fixed at some point but it still has not been fixed so I just wanted to reach out to you guys for help.

Is anyone else also experiencing this? Any help would be deeply appreciated!

My Onenote Version:

Version 16.108.1 (26041915)

My System Report:

Model Name: MacBook Air

Model Identifier: MacBookAir10,1

Model Number: MGN63LL/A

Chip: Apple M1

Total Number of Cores: 8 (4 Performance and 4 Efficiency)

Memory: 8 GB

System Firmware Version: 18000.101.7

OS Loader Version: 18000.101.7

Serial Number (system): FVFHMUQZQ6L4

Hardware UUID: 96B76752-117A-5CCF-9120-C9C5996D8DEB

Provisioning UDID: 00008103-000059A9343B001E

Activation Lock Status: Enabled

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3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

The behavior is controlled by the Math AutoCorrect and equation-conversion mode used by the equation editor. When Math AutoCorrect commands suddenly stop rendering as mathematical symbols, the usual cause is that the equation tool is no longer in the correct conversion mode.

For Math AutoCorrect commands like \lvert, \rvert, and \norm to render properly, the equation editor must be in Unicode mode, not LaTeX mode. When LaTeX mode is enabled, many of the standard Math AutoCorrect conversions do not work.

A similar issue was resolved by switching the equation editor’s conversion setting back to Unicode:

“SOLVED: setting the conversions tab to "Unicode" solved the problem.”

Actionable steps:

Open an equation box in OneNote (Insert → Equation, or the platform shortcut).
Open the equation options/settings dialog.
Locate the Conversions or Math options section.
Ensure the conversion mode is set to Unicode (not LaTeX).
Re‑type \lvert, \rvert, or \norm followed by the appropriate delimiter (often SPACEBAR) and confirm they now render as the expected symbols.

If the issue persists even with Unicode mode selected, verify that Math AutoCorrect is enabled for equations and that the specific codes are still present in the Math AutoCorrect list. The Math AutoCorrect feature is case‑sensitive and only works in supported apps and modes as described in the quick start guide.

References:

Answer 2

Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 437.7K

Perhaps the Q&A bot doesn't realize you're using a Mac rather than a Windows PC. None of what it suggests exists in OneNote for Mac.

However, those codes do work but you need to press return immediately after entering the code in order to trigger the conversion.

If you still have the problem use Help> Feedback in the main OneNote menu to submit the issue to the development group.

Wayne Pinnock 0 Reputation points

2026-04-22T21:37:19.8433333+00:00

Okay I just have thank you for your thoughtful answer I appreciate you dedicating your time to help me!

Answer 3

alkohi 20

I’ve run into similar issues with math tools where the formatting itself becomes a distraction from the actual problem. It’s especially frustrating when you’re trying to explain or practice mathematical concepts and symbols don’t render the way they should.

I think having a reliable online math resource as a backup can be useful when you just need to work through calculations without fighting with equation formatting. Hopefully Microsoft can address this properly, though, because commands like these are pretty important for anyone using OneNote for serious math work.

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