New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

Microsoft just gave Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a subtle but powerful upgrade: new Fountain and Brush pens plus full control over your Draw tab layout. Here's how to make your digital handwriting feel more like your own.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2025

What if your favorite pen could follow you into every document?

For years, OneNote users have enjoyed the expressive flair of the Brush and Fountain pens. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Brush and Fountain pens in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Microsoft is finally bringing those same tools to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows. 

But this update isn’t just about new ink, it’s about control. 

You can now reorder, remove, and personalize your Draw tab to match how you actually work.

It’s a small change, but one that feels surprisingly personal. Like rearranging your desk so your favorite pen is always within reach.

What You'll Gain

Personalize your Draw tab with the tools you use most

Add expressive flair to notes, annotations, and presentations

Save time by removing clutter and customizing your workflow

New Pen Tools & Draw Tab Customization: What’s New?

Microsoft has added two new digital pens to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows:

Fountain Pen: Ideal for elegant note-taking or stylized writing in Word.

Brush Pen: Great for expressive annotations in PowerPoint or sketching in Excel.

Alongside these, you now have the ability to reorder, delete, and duplicate drawing tools in the Draw tab. That means no more scrolling past pens you never use just to find your go-to highlighter.

This update is available in Version 2508 (Build 19127.20000) or later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Windows Desktop (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

1. Open any document or presentation.
2. Click the Draw tab.
3. Locate the new Fountain and Brush pens.
4. To reorder tools: Press and hold a tool, then drag it left or right.
5. To delete a tool: Right-click or press and hold, then select Delete Tool.
6. To add a tool: Click the + Add Tool button at the end of the toolbar.

Note: You can’t reorder Select, Lasso Select, or Eraser tools.

fig. 1 - New Fountain and Brush Pen Tools

On iOS and Android

These customization features are currently Windows-only. 

Mobile users can still access basic inking tools but won’t see the new pens or tab customization yet.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Customization: Tailor your workspace to your habits.
• Expressiveness: The Brush and Fountain pens add personality to your writing.
• Efficiency: Removing unused tools declutters your workflow.

Cons:

• Limited to Windows: Mobile and Mac users are left out for now.
• No reordering for selection tools: Some tools remain fixed in place.

Configuration Guide

To customize your Draw tab:

1. Open the Draw tab.
2. Right-click or press and hold on any tool.
3. Choose Modify, Move, Add, Delete, or Drag to reorder.
4. Use the + Add Tool button to add new pens or highlighters.

Feature Access

Available to Microsoft 365 users on Windows running Version 2508 (Build 19127.20000) or later. 

No additional subscription tier required. 

Not yet available on Mac, iOS, or Android.

Score

Criterion | Score | Justification

Value: 9/10 

Improves productivity by streamlining the Draw tab and adding expressive tools for note-taking and annotation.

Usability: 8/10 

Simple drag-and-drop interface with intuitive customization. No training required.

Wow Factor: 7/10 

Not groundbreaking, but the new pens and layout control feel refreshingly personal.

Total Score: 24/30 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft’s new pen tools and Draw tab customization bring a welcome dose of personality and control to Office apps. 

If you use digital ink regularly, this update is worth exploring.

Try It Yourself

Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint and head to the Draw tab. 

Try the new pens, rearrange your tools, and see how a little customization can make a big difference. 

Share your favorite setup in the comments and subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter for more daily tech wins.

READ MORE

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• Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot
  
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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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