TL;DR
OneNote does not offer native printout rotation tools. However, you can work around this by rotating the file before inserting it, using external PDF editors, or by converting the content to an image. Once rotated, the content can be added or reinserted correctly. This guide explains every method in detail.
When organizing your notes, it can be frustrating if a document or printout is inserted sideways or upside down. Many users wonder how to rotate printout in OneNote, especially when working with scanned PDFs or pages from other documents.
Although OneNote doesn’t include a built-in rotate tool for printouts, there are several reliable workarounds. This guide will walk you through them step by step so you can get your printouts aligned just right.
Why Rotating a Printout Matters in OneNote
Rotating a printout is especially useful when:
- A scanned page was added in landscape mode
- A PDF is displayed sideways after insertion
- You want better readability without turning your head
- You need to align images and diagrams properly
An unrotated printout can cause disorganization and confusion during meetings, lectures, or project planning.
Method 1: Rotate Before Inserting into OneNote
If your file is not yet inserted:
- Open the PDF or document in a viewer that supports rotation (Adobe Acrobat, Edge, or Preview on Mac)
- Rotate the file pages using the built-in tool (usually a rotate button or right-click > Rotate Clockwise)
- Save the file with the new orientation
- Insert the printout in OneNote via Insert > File Printout
This is the cleanest way to ensure your content displays in the correct orientation.
Method 2: Use a PDF Editor to Rotate and Reinsert
If the file is already inserted but showing in the wrong direction:
- Locate the original PDF that was inserted
- Open it in Adobe Acrobat or any free PDF editor (like PDF24 or Foxit)
- Rotate the affected pages
- Save the changes
- Go back to OneNote, delete the incorrect printout, and reinsert the updated file
Recommended Free Tools:
- PDF24 Creator
- Foxit PDF Reader
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free)
Method 3: Convert to Image and Rotate Manually
This workaround is helpful when you can’t access or modify the original file.
- Right-click on the printout in OneNote
- Choose Save As and save the page or selection as an image (via screenshot or print screen)
- Use Paint or any image editor to rotate the image
- Insert the rotated image back into your note using Insert > Picture
While it adds a few steps, this method works reliably with all OneNote versions.
Method 4: Use OneNote Web or OneNote 2016 for Better Control
OneNote for Windows 10 has fewer options than OneNote 2016 or OneNote Online.
- In OneNote 2016, printouts may be easier to manage due to enhanced context menu options
- Switching to the desktop version often improves control over positioning and formatting
Use Insert > Printout in either version after adjusting your file as needed.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
Although there is no direct shortcut to rotate a printout in OneNote, here are useful general commands:
| Action | Windows Shortcut | macOS Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Insert printout | Alt + N, F | Not available directly |
| Paste image (from clipboard) | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Cut (for removing old printout) | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
To speed up the workaround, use Ctrl + PrtScn to grab screen images quickly.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Printout appears sideways | Rotate original file and reinsert |
| Printout too large or zoomed | Resize the inserted object manually |
| Cannot edit or delete a printout | Right-click and choose “Cut” or use the Selection Tool |
| Orientation resets after sync | Ensure file is rotated and saved before inserting |
Proper file preparation before insertion avoids most of these issues.
FAQ – How to Rotate Printout in OneNote
Can I rotate a PDF after inserting it into OneNote?
No, OneNote doesn’t have a built-in rotate tool for printouts. You’ll need to rotate the PDF using another program and reinsert it.
Why does my printout appear sideways in OneNote?
The original file was likely saved in landscape or with incorrect page orientation. Rotate and re-save the file before inserting it.
Can I rotate an image in OneNote instead?
Yes, if you convert the printout to an image (using screenshot or export), you can then rotate it using image editing software before inserting it again.
What’s the easiest way to rotate a printout?
Use Adobe Acrobat or a free PDF editor to rotate the file before adding it to OneNote.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for rotating in OneNote?
No, there is no direct rotation shortcut for printouts. However, image editing software often includes such shortcuts.
Conclusion: Get the Right Orientation for Better Notes
While OneNote doesn’t currently support direct printout rotation, you can easily manage this limitation with a few smart workarounds. Whether you choose to rotate the original file, convert your printout to an image, or reinsert a corrected version, you’ll ensure your notes stay clear and organized.
Remember, the key to efficiency is preparing your content before insertion. Following these methods guarantees that your OneNote pages remain visually consistent and readable.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment