Top 20 Microsoft OneNote Tips and Tricks | How to use OneNote effectively & be more organized

[@MikeTholfsen]

Watch Next ⏩ Top 10 new features in OneNote: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpvQZ4N3br1_qa8

[@prolifepinay]

Can we upload audio and work collaboratively on an audio transcript with visible transcripts. Is anyone updating Windows Media Player at all? We just need to be able to copypaste time stamps on a Word doc. Being able to zoom in on the WMP time stamps would be great as well.

[@ReadySteadyExcel]

Great tips Mike - The bonus one is genius!!

[@AmyEwald]

I love your cape and shirt. Where did you get those? I NEED these for work! I love your Teams videos, and just started the One Note and Forms. :)

[@harmonygibbs7904]

I cannot tell you enough how thankful I am for this video. This has made beginning to use the tool SO much easier.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it helped!

[@rooky2king886]

Thank you Mike! I was wanting to make more use of one note and this video definitely helped... importing meeting details, making notes and then mailing them back out is a game changer!

[@johnhaag6673]

Your video has really helped me!! My mind's CHURNING out ideas on the many ways I'll use this now.

[@ezbrightside]

This video is AMAZING! I'm in OneNote frequently, and had no idea some of these features existed!! So helpful, will definitely be utilizing and sharing with colleagues.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it is helpful!

[@hughmeenagh]

Inking and transcribing updates are fantastic - OneNote M365 keeps getting better especially with the integration of all the best features of the Win 10 app 🖊📚

[@MikeTholfsen]

Agree, works for tons of languages as well

[@thomaslashbrooke7950]

You sir, are an absolute legend. Will you be doing videos about how this integrates with MS Loop when the time comes? We're really excited in my company to see how it can boost one note into the ultimate PM tool!

[@antemilardovic71]

Great and informative as always, thanks Mike! What I still don't understand is why there are two desktop versions of OneNote. I like the layout of OneNote for Windows 10 better, but it's missing "Email page" and as far as I can tell although some of the features of the other version's History tab can be found elsewhere, there is no way to go to "Next Unread" (which is great for me as a teacher)....

[@MissionComputers]

There are 2 versions of OneNote because OneNote for Windows 10 was supposed to replace the OneNote App. But since OneNote for Windows 10 did not support notebooks saved locally (to your computer or server), a lot of people were upset. So Microsoft kept the other version around. Since you first wrote this comment, Microsoft has continued to support both but has decided to update the OneNote app and will eventually stop supporting the OneNote windows 10 version. I too preferred the WIndows 10 version but at least they now have notebooks and tabs on the left :).

[@utubeAgape]

Fantastic-thank you!!

[@xinyuzeng7746]

Hello, I'm struggling to print the page layout as what I wanted... there is no page split or whatsoever function, it makes me print like the same text twice, once in the first page (bottom), once in page 9(top), while 2-8 is nothing... I am so tired and annoyed trying to figure this out

[@snowmobilly]

I have a 365 personal subscription, but my OneNote still looks like the old 2016 version. How do I get to the new Desktop version? OneNote update status says I'm up to date. PC running win10

[@tinewillis123]

Change your default app settings to OneNote Windows 10.

[@snowmobilly]

@@tinewillis123 I don't want to use Windows 10 version. I want the windows desktop version like the video

[@snowmobilly]

@@tinewillis123 I already have the windows 10 version

[@crystalkimcuong8073]

Thank you ! This video is really helpful😀. I would love to see the adding layers feature with hide /unhide options Onenote . For example: a professor give the students a math problem to solve (layer 1), then giving the student the answers (revealing layer 2 on top). This will save time especially in homework reviews. My professor in economics class uses L lecturenote app instead of onenote because of this. Note capture feature which can be play as video or gif formats is also a good solution.

[@WOV2k]

Hello if you still read comments i need some help, i have both versions of onenote for desktop. Im using onenote to take notes in maths class, The new onenote has much better pen features in my opinion, especially the feature to disable pen sensitivity, and the shortcuts ribbon, although these are not available in the Onenote for Windows 10, which wouldnt be a problem but the new Onenote doesnt have some features that Onenote for Windows 10 has, such as the math assistant and ruler feature which are also very useful. Why arent all these features available on the new Onenote or is there a way to enable them. (also i noticed there is a option to enable the maths assistant and ruler to the ribbon shortcuts in the new Onenote, but when I do that they are greyed out)

[@MikeTholfsen]

OneNote Desktop has recently been adding a bunch of features like the Ruler, Math tools, and more. Check out my latest "Top X new features in OneNote" videos to see all the new updates. You need to be on Office 365 subscription to get the new OneNote Desktop update. Join insider.office.com to see even more on the beta builds

[@WOV2k]

@@MikeTholfsen Hello, thanks for responding, I have checked the video you mentioned and my Onenote is clearly on a older version than that. I have attempted to update my app using File>Account>office Updates, but it tells me im all upt to date already. I also tried to join the insiders program that you linked, but there is no button for that either on my onenote, and i checked and i do have the correct subscription. Any help is appreciated, thanks

[@ManasMadrecha]

It would be great to have Ctrl + D feature to select/edit multiple same words at the same time, like I use while writing markdown in VS code. Already, some features like Alt + Shift + arrow keys are implemented and that's so cool 😋

[@DENE2012]

This is incredibly helpful! I use OneNote religiously to take notes during meetings and prep for 1:1s. I really appreciate the tips and will be sure to try them out.

[@justinian.erdmier]

Super amazing! I love how far OneNote has come. I used OneNote as part of Office 365 2016 my junior and senior years of high school. The features made it super easy to synch with my teachers and fellow students with whom I studied. Thank you!

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad you like it!

[@CEOBootCamp]

Great Stuff. I've been a desktop OneNote user for years. Moving the page tabs to the left and pinning the notebooks so I can see the section groups is AMAZING. I would love it if the links to pages were easier to use in non-microsoft application. If I look at the text of a link it's really clunky.

[@dirkvdp122]

Best onenote tips I came across since a long time, and have seen many. Splendid tutorial ...kudos Mike!

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jobilinn69]

Is the team considering adding a color wheel for changing page colors? I really hope so.

[@cpwyou]

Would love to see some application of using tags more. The search tends not to be as accurate. Is there a libary of notebook examples we can take a look at?

[@TCBfan62]

Such an informative video. I had no idea you could do so much with OneNote. Thanks for sharing the video. Looking forward to seeing what else is going to be added in the future.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it was helpful! Check out the latest here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZW1mqiAZ9WMotU

[@Kallasticot]

I have indeed impressed my friends with tip 18 but they could not handle it. It's just too much and I should've weighed the power in my hands before using it.

[@renzokouken9781]

Is this for windows only I hope the OneNote for Mac m1 is also updated like this

[@lobbyskids2]

It would be really great if the container width would automatically match the page the width so that I can always see the entire width of the container when revising the One Note window or when I'm snapping it in windows.

[@overtechnc3462]

Thanks a lot for all these tips :) I gotta say...I'm always amazed by the fact that MS can provide so many useful tools and upgrade them regularly...while leaving big bugs and other issues unsolved xD That's weird :)

[@ImprovementGang]

My favorite shortcut is for the style for the text: ctr + alt + 1 is going to be Header 1, ctr + alt + 2 is for header 2, and so on. It is really good for taking notes and quickly formating them.

[@joeygo0999]

Category is: OneNote Eleganza Extravaganza!!!!

[@microsoftsarker]

nice video you going to Microsoft office AND DOWNLOAD IT

[@mpilardmkbh]

I'm using OneNote for Windows 10 and I have tried with your tip #20 (write a list of names and create a page for each using "link to pages") but I cannot find the option. I have also tried with 365 and haven't found it either. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@MikeTholfsen]

This tip only works with OneNote Desktop, not the Windows 10 app

[@dpd128]

It would also be nice to hear what's coming/available for MacOS or iOS.

[@MrGfmassot]

Why?

[@michaell7877]

I'm a little confused. I am using windows 10 on my winpc laptop. Still a desktop I guess. The audio sync will it work or not? I was confused on how you explained it. Ty, great vids. Would it matter if I upgraded to Win 11?

[@MikeTholfsen]

The Windows 10 app is different than the "classic" OneNote Desktop app. Although the OneNote Desktop app is being rejuvenated and brought back to life. Audio sync works with Desktop only, not the Windows 10 app

[@dune4ever]

Why dont you show more OneNote for Windows 10 tips? Its the OneNote that is most similar to the web version, and many schools prefer to use it because of that.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Desktop has more features and I tried to show some of the more unique Windows 10 ones.

[@MarkusEicher70]

Thank you Mike for this informative post. One thing that bothers me is that there are two different desktop versions of OneNote. I need to find out which one I will be using, but besides this OneNote is one of the underrated components of Office365.

[@kellykoehle9120]

The 'copy text from picture would be so useful if it worked faster, you say it takes a day, it took 3. So in that case it isn't useful at all. Is there something I'm missing to speed it up?

[@PedroRamirezR]

Hi, No Section Groups on OneNote Web and no Customize Tags either. ¿Do you know something about it?

[@MikeTholfsen]

Yes, we’re hoping to add Section Group creation and delete later in 2022

[@leonettwilcots9846]

This question goes back for many years but I cannot locate a solution or enhancement. Like in other MS apps, is there a way to auto number table rows in OneNote?

[@MikeTholfsen]

Not at this time

[@JimJam22994]

One of the reasons most people don’t use Onenote is every time you want to create a new notebook it suggests different places. OneDrive or PC and some are PC some are cloud. It is not straight forward how to have a central location or default for all notebooks.

[@konstantindellas5318]

Great video Mike, great job Mike, helped me a lot to develop myself with OneNote

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad to hear it!

[@KnowledgeFlowPro]

I Love OneNote so much !!! It helped me organize my life for years now and helped me be way more productive. But …the lack of updates bored me ….

[@MikeTholfsen]

Stay tuned! 2021 and 2022 will have lots more updates, especially to Desktop and web

[@awkydrey]

I've loved one note since I was in school. I'm a grown ass professional now. Off the top of the head, do you have any tips that would be useful for a professional juggling multiple fast moving projects? I usually jam my notes into a single notebook and organisation goes down the drain. Can't help but think I'm not doing justice to this software. Thanks.

[@MikeTholfsen]

I am a fairly organized person so I like a bit more structure across sections and pages. Subpages are feet helpful too

[@jamesjgill]

#2 copying text from pictures is a power move for OneNote desktop. This allows teachers to mash up and remix different resources to make a lesson just how they like. I don't think this is available in OneNote for Windows 10.

[@DaniBernal]

Why android has so few options? Samsung DEX is a nice desktop like experience

[@MikeTholfsen]

They are still working to improve it

[@alanconley5005]

Too funny I can tell your a fan of Office Space " if you get an email from Bill Lunbrugh LMAO

[@MikeTholfsen]

Yes! Office Space is the best

[@jrcgjhughes]

Does copy text from picture work with different languages?

[@MikeTholfsen]

It should

[@janishaldeman3339]

Fantastic! How to get my vertical scroll bar on the left - how do I do that in 10?

[@MikeTholfsen]

That feature is not supported in Windows 10 app

[@skinnymcdibbens9698]

please make text-to-speech without having to go 'immersed'. This would be such a big improvement

[@trenthogan4212]

OneNote might just be the most powerful free software available.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Agree

[@nicholaslastarza5934]

The TPS reports and Bill Lumbergh references we just as good as the tips themselves

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad you liked them. Keeps it more interesting than “Contoso”

[@denisearmas8747]

I wanted the version with tabs on top, instead on side…opt for premium version have trial at this time, but it won’t load up with that version…why. I have iOS ipad, MacBook and iPhone. Is that window version only. Been looking for explanation on KZbin but can’t find one. Please help

[@michellemurph]

My computer says I have Windows 10 but I don't have tabs on top either! I also can't figure it out

[@moodberry]

I found this helpful, especially as I don't use One Note. However, the reason I don't use it is because it seems like a solution looking for a problem. If there was a way to think of One Note as a tool to make me more productive (instead of having yet another tool I have to learn) then I think I would use it. But it seems like the steep learning curve keeps me from using it.

[@MikeTholfsen]

I have super high productivity due to OneNote. I would recommend to spend the time to ramp up, ROI is exponential

[@teamsexcel]

Hi, Mike. I'm so grateful you prepared this video. It is really helpful thanks a bundle. By the way, I'm using the new dictation service in the Chrome browser to write this. The dictation in Microsoft office products is really valuable as well.

[@hinakingravi7218]

This is badass. I literally used the tip for copying text from picture just now and it saved me so much time instead of manually typing everything out. This is an extremely helpful video, thank you!

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it helped!

[@SriRam-oz5um]

@@MikeTholfsen how to extract tables and its content from picture within one note

[@wenavi8289]

How do I delete a notebook? I don’t want to just Close it, I want it deleted? Please help

[@MikeTholfsen]

Go into OneDrive, find your Notebooks folder, then you into it, find the Notebook and delete it

[@beulebeulentum7464]

Thank you very much, Mike! I can't understand why it is still not possible to group objects in OneNote (I use the desktop version 2019, which I like much better than the app). For example, when you mark something with a highlighter or refer to something by drawing an arrow, the mark or arrow is not moved along when you move the corresponding content. The request for such a feature has been in relevant forums FOR AGES and would greatly improve the work with OneNote. I am sure that Microsoft is aware of this request also regarding the feedback feature. But Microsoft still doesn't care about it. Apparently it is more important to play around with the design than to take care of such a basic feature. By the way, you can see this again with Windows 11, for example with the file explorer: no tabs, no 2-window feature, ... But you can place your taskbar icons in the center now and the icons have round corners. Really great ...

[@Chaundradickinson]

Great information. Excited to use One Note way more than I have previously. Thanks

[@IRLBemused]

"Rejuvinated" and "Revitalised"???? I have been a heavy user of OneNote for years. On my desktop it lags like hell on any pages that have a lot of content. I have no such problems on the exct same pages on my Surface Pro which is much less powerful. In both cases I am syncing to my notebooks on OneDrive. I never had these problems before and I have tried reinstalling and both computers are running the same version. I have followed the advice in multiple forums to no avail. Beyond frustrating.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Stay tuned, major updates for OneNote on Office 365

[@IRLBemused]

@@MikeTholfsen When? Will they fix the lag problem?

[@MikeTholfsen]

@@IRLBemused Modern Sync is in the process of rolling out across OneNote Desktop 365 in the next few months for the Current Channel (monthly) so that should help quite a bit. If you are on the semi annual update channel, it will take another 6 months past then

[@schrottwichtel6789]

I'm very excited! Because I'm well known to be very "enthusiastic" about OneNote in my family for many years, I have to ask you: Where can I get all the OneNote purple clothes (OneNote-Shirt, cardigan and cape)?

[@awkydrey]

Good question. Anyone?

[@alienc5920]

Dude, this is the BEST tips/tutorial EVER. Thank you very much. It is so useful and has given me many ideas to increase productivity and note keeping. Thank you!!

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Suiiiiiiiiiiiiiii1]

I wish we could change the page layout to A4 in OneNote Windows 10

[@MikeTholfsen]

Yes, this is a top request but they haven't got to it yet

[@lynarvizu]

Came for the tutorial, stayed for the Office Space references. But honestly, this is super helpful, well paced, and easy to follow along.

[@bomag5629]

I used to be able to CROP any screenshots, etc., I was pasting into my OneNote pages... and now I can't. It's a PAIN IN THE POSTERIOR to not have that function/option anymore. What happened to that function?

[@gihanranasinghe4502]

Thank you very much for this very informative video

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emadelhaddad2894]

can I insert current date and be updated automatically every day?

[@MikeTholfsen]

Unfortunately not

[@kristenedmonds8622]

OneNote has come a long way since the late 2000's. I would like to see more options for customized formatting and more control over documents like I have in Word. It would be nice to have the ability to pick custom colours for highlighters and create my own tag icons. For school use, it would also be awesome to have the ability to insert reference lists, enter citations and creating SmartArt diagrams/charts for lecture notes. Essentially, more characteristics of Word integrated into the OneNote program would make this the best Microsoft program ever made. I love the feature of copying text from picture. Eagerly waiting for the update for OneNote desktop. Thank you for the hard work and innovative ideas!

[@yw1971]

That would never happen - Word is the main Cash-cow of Office & therefore no competition is wanted

[@Pocket-Business]

Mike, much appreciate your content! I have looked everywhere but failed to resolve the missing "Live Captions" function in OneNote (Microsoft® OneNote® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2205 Build 16.0.15225.20278) 64-bit ). How can I activate this feature? I have "Learning Tools" and "Class Notekook" add-ins installed. Please be so kind and assist with this dilemma!

[@MikeTholfsen]

This has not yet come to OneNote Desktop. We hope to have it there late in 2022

[@Tsang7570]

Very useful tips beyond beginners level. Thanks a lot!

[@lornaj3310]

I'm trying to work out how to find something in an extremely long page of notes, I can use "Find" but the functionality isn't very good. I have no "find tags" button, so tagging each heading wont help me. The internet said you used to be able to link to a paragraph within your notes, but I haven't got that option either. The button you used to collapse an outline only allows me to move that line. WHY isn't there a TOC or navigation pane you can populate with headings??? It seems like OneNote just keeps getting worse - PLEASE update this video!

[@steepeters2603]

please please please stop adding new features and make a stable product that does freeze every few minutes. OneNote fails badly at doing even that basics so why are you adding more useless crap? I beg of you, PLEASE make an app that actually works all the time.

[@ambotngababoy]

underrated vid. underrated software. i wish it was not as buggy as goodnotes in ipad tho

[@jdw4807tube]

That last bonus tip was great, thanks for the very informative video.

[@jsk125]

Mike, does this work with OneNote 2016?

[@MikeTholfsen]

Yes, I believe vast majority of these do

[@PRBODH36]

I have onedrive paid version and downloaded the Microsoft365. I installed the apps as well but somehow, not able to see the ONENOTE FOR WINDOWS 10. I like to use that instead the online app. Can you please help me?

[@marinakollar4986]

Hey Mike,is it possible to merge 2x notebooks? In my eagerness to learn,I've created a mess and now worried about having to start again. I did back up the note book I want to keep. Also,I understand support for One note will be discontinued in 2025. I am now quite fond of its versatility, assuming this means it will still be available for use,with updates,but no support??

[@AndresArosemena]

9:33 thaaanks!!!!!! that may be the main reason why still don't switch to that version of the app and continue using one note for windows 10. Now it needs a dark theme like the one note for windows 10 version! EDIT: found it!!!!! here are the steps if anyone else is looking to do the same: Click File > Options. In the OneNote Options dialog box, click the General tab. From the Office Themes drop-down, select Black.

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad you found it!

[@williamskipper954]

I'm struggling with the "Desktop" format vs Windows 10. @10:00, you confirmed that a "similar" format is available for desktop, but this format leaves sections on the top ribbon and does not add a vertical navigation ribbon on the left side:(... Theres more, the orientation is just not as user friendly on the desktop format..

[@MikeTholfsen]

Check out the new blog, I think you’ll be happy techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/education-blog/new-layout-options-for-onenote-on-windows-are-coming-soon/ba-p/3691211

[@realkanalenhelsinge-realsk7842]

Hi, at my school (Helsinge Realskole in Denmark) I use OneNote Class Notebook for all of my English and social science classes, however, it takes forever to rename them every summer. Why isn't there an easier way? For example, my class 7.1 English obviously moves up after the summer holidays and becomes 8.1 English, and they don't want to use a Notebook called 7.1 anymore. I still want them to have access to all their essays and stuff from 7th grade. What to do?

[@2DVDs]

Brilliant! I just regret many features are missing on MacOS

[@dianafarhat9479]

OneNote export to PDF jumbles hand written notes/formulas, any fixes? And thanks for the video.

[@jimbothy9852]

Any way to put my pens back into grid view?? Microsoft support is WOEFULLY unhelpful.

[@astralislux305]

The Microsoft font selections are so ugly. Feels like 1998. Letting us add custom fonts and styles can really make this a delight. Otherwise, it's ugly.

[@cathrynhindle4994]

There is a workaround for the Dictate function not appearing on Desktop Windows 10. Open your note, click in text field, hit Windows key and H , and the microphone appears .. voila - you can dictate!

[@MikeTholfsen]

Yup, good work around

[@ashleyheuberger2861]

Help needed! When I have My Notebook open/expanded (so I can see all my sections and pages) as soon as I click in a note, the My Notebook section closes, and it drives me crazy. How do I, I don't know, freeze (?) it, to keep the My Notebook section expanded so I can see all my sections and pages, but also edit notes? Does that make sense?

[@andihall7104]

Terrific video. Is there a way to automatically align the text boxes to a specific location, e.g. the left margin? I find this free-form helpful at times, but most often annoying.

[@adrianleverkuhn378]

Have you noticed that OneNote for iPad doesn't have a ruler? Does that make sense? It can't be that difficult to integrate a simple ruler.

[@torreskatrinajelyn3415]

Is there a way I could change my text highlight width to be more narrow and just go over the text and not cover the space between lines after making my line spacing bigger? Thank you

[@keningilbert]

Very helpful thank you! Regarding creating and managing Containers is far from intuitive until after you learn to either double click anywhere outside of existing container; or single click to the far right of existing Container. For instance, you should be able to right click outside an existing container to select create new container ; or click on that option on the Insert ribbon menu. Regarding Collapsing a container, why is the standard use of a minus symbol on the left or up facing carrot in the top border not used? Especially when the standard plus symbol is used to Expand one. You should also be able to name a container and have it appear as part of the top border.

[@keningilbert]

Your chapter times are correct, but the chapter markers on the timeline are wrong and therefore don't match the times you have listed. EDIT: Actually I just tested again, and not all the times are correct. For instance, Collapse Outline is listed as 17:58, but it doesn't start until 18:17.

[@TheDungeonTomb]

How do i enable page preview in onenote ( the left side where you make new page) i bought 365 and also why is my notbook not in sync i am logged in on same acount but in 1 computer it is the old one. i also tryed write to you in twitter and pm on twitter

[@MikeTholfsen]

Page Preview is not yet supported in OneNote Desktop

[@thewaymarketing9682]

I am a OneNote user but use Raindrop to organize my bookmarks. What is the best way to use OneNote for bookmark organization so I can get off of Raindrop?

[@craighiggins7994]

File Printout for windows 10. It doesn't allow me to use PP (like you did with the Solar slides) It only allows me to insert PDF or Word Doc. Is this just one of those things or am i missing something?

[@MrCaesar2u]

Used OneNote a long time ago, but this is really helpful!!

[@accentontheoff]

Question please: Can I back up my entire OneNote data out of the app, in case I want to leave it one day, without too much trouble. Thanks.

[@MarkWillisMaths]

The app has potential for teaching. However as a Maths teacher pls could you do something about the line tool. Using ink to shape and drawing an arrow at the end is very hit and miss. Also difficult to manipulate once drawn. Please have a look at notability on how the line tool is draw and easy to manipulate once drawn. You could also consider allowing the line tool to be in the favourites tool bar. Thank you for a great video.

[@PWCKJ]

I wish it had a streamlined tagging system utilizing hashtags like other services. The iconography is clunky.

[@emekaelumelu2995]

The OneNote on Android is so watered down. A lot on my office 365 that's note on my android. Even onenote on IPAD is better why?

[@irsarda]

No note taking app close comes to one3note. Infact all of the productivity apps(office apps) comes close to microsoft..!!

[@Juicud]

We use OneNote as our office manual but need to keep a printed copy - is there a way to print this with all the headings pulled into an Index page that references the printed page number (not just the page number of that section). Exporting to Word and manually adding an index is too onerous due to the size of our onenote.

[@melankaya]

I can't find options under File anymore, has it been removed/ moved? I wanted to use onenote to record and plan ideas to make short videos- friends suggested that notion is the better option. Any tips on whether theres a microsoft app that can be useful in planning this?

[@starshollowhearted]

A lot of tips I never heard of elsewhere. Thank you for that. Very helpful👏😃

[@MikeTholfsen]

Glad these are helpful

[@acex0078]

Thank you kind sir.