MS OneNote Tips

10 tips and tricks to enhance your experience with Microsoft OneNote

1. Show the Full Ribbon: When you open a new notebook, the ribbon might be collapsed. To see all groups and options within the ribbon, click on any tab in the ribbon headings. You can also set the ribbon to always show by clicking the small down chevron icon on the right and selecting “Always show Ribbon” 1.

2. Use Shortcut Keys: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. For example:

   • CTRL+C: Copy selected text.

   • CTRL+V: Paste copied text.

   • CTRL+X: Cut selected text.

   • CTRL+B: Toggle bold text 1.

3. Capture and Organize with Ease: OneNote allows you to capture various content types, including text, audio, video, sketches, and files. Organize your notes into notebooks, sections, and pages 2.

4. Leverage Tags: Use tags (e.g., “To-Do,” “Important,” “Question”) to categorize and find specific content quickly 3.

5. Templates for Consistency: Create custom templates or use built-in ones for consistent note-taking 4.

6. Convert Handwritten Notes to Text: OneNote can convert your handwritten notes into typed text 3.

7. Co-Authoring and Sharing: Collaborate with colleagues in real-time by sharing notebooks 3.

8. Web Clipping: Use the OneNote Web Clipper extension to save web pages or regions to a notebook section 5.

9. Audio and Video Recording: Record audio or video directly within your notes 2.

10. Integration with Outlook: Add meeting details from Outlook to a page in OneNote and share notes with meeting attendees 1.

Lets Dive Deeper

1. Show the Full Ribbon:

   • By default, OneNote’s ribbon might be collapsed. To see all the available options, click on any tab in the ribbon headings. You can also set the ribbon to always show by clicking the small down chevron icon on the right and selecting “Always show Ribbon.” This way, you’ll have quick access to formatting tools, styles, and other features .

2. Use Shortcut Keys:

   • Keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. Here are some essential ones:

     • CTRL+C: Copy selected text.

     • CTRL+V: Paste copied text.

     • CTRL+X: Cut selected text.

     • CTRL+B: Toggle bold text.

     • Explore more shortcuts by pressing ALT while hovering over any command in the ribbon .

3. Capture and Organize with Ease:

   • OneNote allows you to capture various content types:

     • Text: Type directly into your notes.

     • Audio: Record meetings or lectures.

     • Video: Embed video clips.

     • Sketches: Use the drawing tools.

     • Files: Attach documents.

   • Organize your notes into notebooks, sections, and pages. Create a logical structure that suits your needs .

4. Leverage Tags:

   • Tags help categorize and find specific content quickly. Some useful tags include:

     • To-Do: Mark tasks or action items.

     • Important: Highlight critical information.

     • Question: Flag areas where you need clarification.

     • Customize tags by right-clicking any word or phrase and selecting “Tag” .

5. Templates for Consistency:

   • Create custom templates or use built-in ones. Templates ensure consistency across your notes. For example:

     • Meeting Notes: Includes sections for attendees, agenda, and action items.

     • Project Planning: Organizes tasks, deadlines, and resources.

     • Research Notes: Helps structure research findings.

   • Save time by starting with a relevant template .

6. Convert Handwritten Notes to Text:

   • If you prefer writing by hand, OneNote can convert your handwritten notes into typed text. Simply select the handwritten text, right-click, and choose “Ink to Text” .

7. Co-Authoring and Sharing:

   • Collaborate seamlessly with colleagues:

     • Share notebooks with others.

     • Work on the same page simultaneously.

     • See real-time updates.

     • Use version history to track changes .

8. Web Clipping:

   • Install the OneNote Web Clipper extension for your browser. It allows you to save web pages or specific regions directly to a notebook section. Perfect for research, articles, or recipes .

9. Audio and Video Recording:

   • Record audio or video directly within your notes during meetings or interviews. Click the “Insert” tab and choose “Audio” or “Video” .

10. Integration with Outlook:

    • Link OneNote with Outlook:

      • Add meeting details from Outlook to a page in OneNote.

      • Share notes with meeting attendees.

      • Keep everything related to a project or event in one place .

Remember, explore OneNote’s features to find what aligns best with your workflow