Summary
Microsoft OneNote is a free-form, collaborative note taking application that can capture handwritten text, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries that is supported for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices.
Body
Microsoft OneNote is a versatile digital note-taking application. It allows users to create and organize notes, drawings, and other content in a digital notebook format.
Key Features
- Notebooks: OneNote organizes content into notebooks, sections, and pages. Within each notebook, you can create sections (like chapters) and pages (individual notes).
- Rich Formatting: Customize your notes with fonts, colors, and styles. Add images, tables, and hyperlinks. Use the drawing tools to sketch diagrams or annotate content.
- Tags and Labels: Apply tags to specific content (e.g., “To-Do,” “Important,” “Question”). These tags help you quickly find and filter relevant information.
- Search and Indexing: OneNote’s robust search capabilities allow you to find specific notes, even within handwritten content. The indexing system ensures efficient retrieval.
- Collaboration: Share notebooks with colleagues or classmates. Collaborate in real time, leave comments, and track changes.
- Integration: OneNote seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). You can embed Excel spreadsheets, link to Word documents, and more.
Best Practices
- Structured Note-Taking: Organize your notebooks logically. Use descriptive section titles and consistent formatting.
- Templates: OneNote offers templates for various purposes (meeting minutes, project planning, etc.). Explore these to jump-start your note-taking.
- Sync Across Devices: Install OneNote on your computer, tablet, and smartphone. Your notes sync automatically, ensuring access from anywhere.
- Web Clipping: Use the OneNote browser extension to clip web articles, research, and inspiration directly into your notebooks.
Further Reading