How to use OneNote to take notes in classes or meetings

Taking effective notes in class or during meetings has become easier and more efficient thanks to technology.Apps like Microsoft OneNote open up a world of possibilities for those looking to organize information, collaborate with others, and access their notes anytime from any device. Throughout this article, you'll discover How you can get the most out of OneNote to transform the way you take and manage notes, whether you're a student, attending work meetings, or need to organize any aspect of your daily life.

Digitization has not only changed books and study materials, but also the way we collect, store and share information.From simple lists to collaborative projects, OneNote stands out as a flexible and powerful tool. Do you want to make your notes more visual, easier to find, and share? You've come to the right place. Let's dive into all the options OneNote has in store for you!

What is Microsoft OneNote and what is it used for?

OneNote is the Microsoft application created to take digital notes, organize information and collaborate in real time.

Unlike classic paper notebooks, OneNote allows you to create as many digital notebooks as you need, divided into sections and pages, with complete flexibility to insert text, drawings, audio, documents, and even web clippings or images. This versatility makes it a favorite tool for both students and professionals.

What exactly can you do with OneNote?

• Write notes by hand or with a keyboard
• Record audio or insert videos
• Attach related files and documents
• Draw or sketch freely
• Collaborate and share your notes in real time
• Automatically sync everything to the cloud (OneDrive)
• Advanced search and tagging
• Access from any device: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or website

In short, OneNote offers you a digital notebook that never runs out, loses paper, or lets you down when you forget your physical notebook at home..

Why choose OneNote for your class or meeting notes?

What really sets OneNote apart from other similar applications are its organizational, collaboration, and flexibility features.If you like to personalize your notes, not only with text, but also with diagrams, drawings, links, and other materials, OneNote is for you.

You can create thematic notebooks (by subject, projects, clients, etc.), add sections and pages as needed, and move them easily.Plus, you can continue taking notes, reviewing them, or sharing them with anyone you want from any device. Forget the common problem of losing information!

If you are a teacher or lead meetings, OneNote allows you to Categorize notes using colors, sections, tags, and even images to keep everything well organized and instantly accessible.

Getting Started with OneNote: First Steps

The first step is to have a Microsoft accountIf you already have one, just sign in to OneNote from your preferred device (computer, tablet, or mobile). If you don't have one, creating one is free and only takes a few minutes.

Once inside, create a new notebook, assign a name, and start adding sections based on your interests. You can include as many sections and pages as you like. You can even customize the order and move pages between sections with ease..

Don't worry about losing information: OneNote automatically saves all your changes, without the need for “Save” buttons.Your notes will always be safe!

Taking notes: text, handwriting, and more

One of OneNote's star features is the ability to write both with a keyboard and by hand (ideal for tablets or touch screens)This provides a very natural feel, especially when you need to draw, make diagrams, or simply write faster by hand.

If you have a touch screen or a digital pen, Use the “Draw” tab and select the pencilYou can type, underline, highlight, or draw freely. When you want to return to typing with a keyboard, tap "Type."

A very useful function is the converting handwriting to text, which transforms your doodles into editable, shareable text. It's ideal for keeping your notes organized and ready to share.

Want to add headings or start a note anywhere? Click where you want on the page and start typingThe work area is completely open, and you can place text blocks wherever you like.

Insert images, files, audio, and other elements into your notes

Do you want your notes to be more complete? OneNote lets you insert images, photos taken with your phone, scans, screenshots, and online videos via links. Just select "Insert" and choose what you need.

You can also attach files from Become, excel, PDF or any related documentEverything will be on your page, without having to search through other folders.

Tables make organization easier: You can quickly insert grids for data, lists, schedules, or tasksWith the table menu, you can format, add rows and columns, or customize the table layout.

Advanced Organization: Sections, Tags, and Search in OneNote

A good note is characterized by being easy to locate, even months later.OneNote offers powerful organizational tools:

• Sections and subsections: Organize your notebooks by topic, subject, project, or client.
• Labels and colors: Mark your notes with labels like “Important,” “To Do,” or “Question,” and use colors to quickly distinguish topics.
• Powerful search function: Locate words within notes or even images using OCR, ensuring you never miss out on relevant information.

These tools make it easy to keep everything organized and accessible for any professional or student..

Collaborate and share notes in real time

One of the biggest advantages of OneNote is real-time collaboration.Simply share the notebook link, and your workgroup, class, or collaborators can edit and add content simultaneously. It's perfect for teamwork, minutes, brainstorming, or dynamic meetings.

OneNote records who made each change and when, making it easy to track and review. Collaborating has never been so comfortable and effective, regardless of the type of project..

Integrating OneNote with Microsoft 365 and other applications

Using OneNote with Microsoft 365 multiplies your possibilitiesAll your work is automatically saved to OneDrive, so you can access it from any device at any time.

The integration allows Insert notes into Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and even Outlook emails. If you manage tasks or projects, the connection with Excel and SharePoint facilitates tracking and cross-referencing.

Additionally, you can search, tag, and filter notes from any app in the Microsoft ecosystem, streamlining your workflow and avoiding duplication.

Practical tips for getting the most out of OneNote in classes and meetings

Want to improve the way you take notes and manage information? Here's how. Tricks and good practices based on the experience of students, teachers and professionals:

• Start each class or meeting with a new page and a descriptive title.This will make it easier to locate everything later.
• Use diagrams and drawings whenever possible, especially in visual or complex themes.
• Attach related documents and resources to keep everything handy (images, screenshots, audios, PDFs…).
• Create sections for each subject or project and uses colors to quickly identify main topics.
• Use labels to mark pending issues, key ideas, or important topics.
• Collaborate in real time in group projects, facilitating everyone's contribution and speeding up the work.
• Use the search function to find old notes without wasting time, even if you only remember a word or an image.
• If you are a teacher, organize your classes and materials in a single digital notebook., to prepare lessons, share resources and do personalized follow-ups.

Advanced features: from handwriting to text recognition and multilingual support

OneNote technology allows you to convert handwritten notes into editable text.This is very useful for cleaning up notes or sharing information in clearer, more professional formats.

If you work in different languages, OneNote allows you to install handwriting in multiple languages. Simply select the language in settings, use the selection tool to select your handwritten text, and change the correction to the desired language before converting. This way you can collaborate with foreign classmates or adapt your notes to the language of the subject..

Ink to text conversion is not available on the web version, but is available on the desktop and mobile versions. mobile devices.

OneNote and Accessibility: Customization and Support

OneNote meets accessibility standards, allowing people with disabilities to use the tool without obstacles. You can adjust the font size, colors, use light or dark themes, and other settings to make everyday use easier.

Tagging, searching, and color-coding features make it easy to navigate and access your material, regardless of the amount of information stored.