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OneNote Basics: Getting Started Guide

Tap through each step in order.

  1. Create a new notebook

    Open OneNote and click "New Notebook" to create one suited to what you need it for.

  2. Add sections to organize by topic

    Add sections inside a notebook, like "Work" or "Personal," to keep content organized by topic.

  3. Add a page and take notes freely

    After adding a page inside a section, you can place text, handwriting, drawings, and images anywhere on the page you like.

  4. Use search to find what you need fast

    Typing a keyword into the search bar at the top finds related content across every notebook and page.

  5. Why it's useful

    Unlike a regular document constrained to lines and columns, OneNote lets you jot notes and sketch anywhere on the page, which makes it especially handy for meeting notes or brainstorming.

When you need freeform note-taking

For meeting notes or ideas that don't fit neatly into linear text, being able to place them anywhere on the page and sketch things out by hand is OneNote's biggest advantage over a standard document.

A notebook structure that scales with you

Because notebooks, sections, and pages nest inside each other, the same basic structure that works for a single class or project can grow into an entire archive of work notes without needing to switch tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OneNote free to use?

Yes β€” the core features are free, and all you need is a Microsoft account, with no separate subscription required.

Does it sync across multiple devices?

Yes β€” sign in with the same Microsoft account on your PC, phone, and tablet, and anything you write syncs across them in real time.