Is there a way to show table borders by default in OneNote when pasting plain-text tables (or does this require new functionality)

Question

Our business frequently paste tables into OneNote using either tab-separated text or Markdown-style formatting. These tables are recognized structurally by OneNote, and the rows and columns appear as expected, but borders are not shown by default.

To make the borders visible, we have to manually right-click inside the table, select "Table," then choose "Hide Borders." This option functions as a toggle and actually reveals the borders. The label is also a bit misleading in this context.

This manual step adds friction to our workflow. We work with tables throughout the day, and having to perform this action repeatedly is inefficient.

We are requesting one of the following:

A setting or documented method to ensure borders are shown automatically when pasting plain-text tables into OneNote

Or the ability to automate the "Hide Borders" toggle using Power Automate, scripting, or a configuration setting

If no such method exists, please confirm whether this is by design and whether a feature request has been logged or will be considered.

We are happy to provide examples or additional context as needed. Thank you.

Answer 1

I understand how repetitive manual steps can disrupt your workflow. Unfortunately, there isn't a built-in setting in OneNote to automatically show table borders when pasting plain-text tables. The "Hide Borders" toggle is indeed the current method to reveal borders, and it seems this functionality is by design.

However, you can automate this process using Power Automate. While there isn't a direct action to toggle table borders, you can create a flow that interacts with OneNote via the Microsoft Graph API. This approach involves updating the table's HTML to include border styles.

Here's a basic outline of how you might set up such a flow:

1. Trigger: When a new table is added to OneNote.
2. Action: Use the Microsoft Graph API to update the table's HTML, adding border styles.

For example, you can modify the table's HTML to include border attributes:

<table style="border:1px solid;border-collapse:collapse">
  <tr>
    <td style="border:1px solid">Cell 1</td>
    <td style="border:1px solid">Cell 2</td>
  </tr>
</table>

If you need detailed guidance on setting up this flow, I can help you with that. Additionally, you can submit a feature request to Microsoft for a more streamlined solution.

Would you like more information on setting up the Power Automate flow, or assistance with submitting a feature request?