One Note is Read only

Question

Hi,

How can I change this please? I need to be able to use the pens.

Answer 1

To use pens, the notebook or section must be editable, not read-only. Check the following:

1. Switch from Viewing to Editing mode
   • In the OneNote toolbar, look for a control that lets you switch between Viewing and Editing.
   • Make sure Editing is selected. In Viewing mode, ink tools (pens) cannot be used.
2. Check if the notebook is read-only
   • If the notebook is stored on OneDrive or SharePoint, it may be marked as read-only.
   • Open the notebook’s location in OneDrive/SharePoint and verify that the account has edit permissions.
   • If not, contact the notebook owner and ask for read/write access.
3. Check for read-only copies or misplaced sections (Android scenario)
   • If using OneNote for Android and notes appear under Misplaced Sections, those copies are read-only.
   • Use and edit the version of the page that appears under the original notebook section instead of the one in Misplaced Sections.
4. Class Notebook permissions (if this is a Class Notebook in Teams or OneNote)
   • Sections like Content Library are read-only for students by design.
   • If this is a Class Notebook and editing is needed, the teacher must grant edit permissions or direct work to a section where editing is allowed.

Once the notebook/section is in Editing mode and not read-only, the Draw tab pens can be used normally.

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References:

• Can't edit OneNote Class Notebook within Teams (read-only state)
• Trouble editing a notebook or page in OneNote for Android
• Troubleshoot read-only notes in OneNote for Android
• Express yourself freely with digital ink