TL;DR
To highlight text in OneNote, select the text and use the toolbar’s highlighter icon or press Ctrl + Alt + H in some versions.
Highlighting is one of the most effective ways to emphasize key ideas, action points, or definitions in your notes. In OneNote, you can apply highlights quickly with just a few clicks or a keyboard shortcut, depending on the version you’re using. This makes your digital notebooks easier to scan and prioritize, especially in collaborative or study settings.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use the OneNote text highlight feature, how to customize highlight colors, when to use highlighting effectively, and how to remove it when no longer needed.
Why Use OneNote Text Highlight?
Whether you’re a student, a project manager, or a content planner, highlighting text in OneNote allows you to:
- Emphasize key terms or deadlines
- Categorize tasks or notes by color
- Make handwritten or imported content easier to interpret
- Prioritize important passages in long documents
It mimics the familiar function of a physical highlighter while offering flexibility and easy adjustments.
How to Highlight Text in OneNote
Method 1: Using the Toolbar
- Open your OneNote page.
- Select the text you want to highlight.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Click the Highlight icon (usually a pen over a colored bar).
- The selected text will now be highlighted in the default color (typically yellow).
You can change the highlight color by clicking the drop-down arrow next to the icon and choosing a different color.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
For supported versions of OneNote (like OneNote for Microsoft 365 or older desktop versions):
- Windows Shortcut:
Ctrl + Alt + H - Mac Shortcut: Not available natively, but you can create a custom shortcut in System Preferences.
This shortcut toggles the highlight on selected text. If the text is already highlighted, pressing the same combination removes the highlight.
How to Remove Highlighting in OneNote
If you’ve highlighted something by mistake or no longer need the emphasis:
- Select the highlighted text.
- In the Home tab, click the Highlight icon again or select No Color from the drop-down.
- Alternatively, press
Ctrl + Spacebarto remove all formatting, including highlighting.
This will revert the text to its original plain style.
Highlighting Handwritten Notes
OneNote also supports highlighting handwritten content. Use the Draw tab to:
- Choose the Highlighter tool.
- Pick your desired color.
- Draw over handwritten notes using your mouse, stylus, or touchscreen.
This is especially useful on tablets or touch-screen laptops for adding visual emphasis in digital notebooks.
Best Practices for Highlighting in OneNote
To get the most out of the OneNote text highlight feature:
- Limit color usage to 2 or 3 consistent categories (e.g., yellow for important, blue for tasks, green for references).
- Avoid over-highlighting which can make your notes harder to read.
- Use highlighting with tags like “To Do” or “Important” for better task tracking.
Common Use Cases for Highlighting in OneNote
| Scenario | How Highlighting Helps |
|---|---|
| Studying for exams | Emphasizes key concepts or definitions |
| Project planning | Marks deadlines and priority items |
| Meeting notes | Distinguishes action items or decisions |
| Shared notebooks | Allows collaborators to draw attention |
FAQ – OneNote Text Highlight
What is the shortcut to highlight text in OneNote?
In OneNote for Windows, use Ctrl + Alt + H to apply or remove highlighting.
Can I change the highlight color in OneNote?
Yes. Use the drop-down next to the highlight icon in the Home tab to pick your preferred color.
Does OneNote support highlighting on Mac?
Yes, but the keyboard shortcut is not available by default. Use the toolbar instead.
How do I highlight text in OneNote for the web?
Select text, go to the Home tab, and click the highlighter icon. Note that customization may be limited in the web version.
How do I remove highlighting from text in OneNote?
Select the text and choose “No Color” from the highlight color menu or press Ctrl + Spacebar to remove all formatting.
Can I highlight handwritten notes in OneNote?
Yes. Use the Highlighter tool under the Draw tab to manually highlight ink or stylus content.
Conclusion: Use OneNote Text Highlight to Emphasize What Matters
Highlighting in OneNote is a powerful and easy way to organize your thoughts, stress important details, and enhance your note-taking workflow. Whether you’re highlighting for yourself or for others, mastering this simple feature can significantly improve your productivity and note clarity. Use the toolbar, shortcut, or draw tool, and stay consistent with your color choices for best results.
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