When you launch OneNote, maximize its window so that it fills your PC’s display. This organizational structure is reflected in how OneNote’s home layout is presented. (OneNote refers to an individual note as a “page.”)

Each section can contain multiple pages.

Each notebook can contain multiple sections.

A Microsoft user account can contain multiple notebooks.

To understand how to work in OneNote, it’s helpful to first know its organizational structure: If not, you can sign up for one for free. If your company uses Outlook or you have a free webmail account on, for example, you already have a Microsoft user account. Thus, the app requires that you sign in with a Microsoft user account.

OneNote uses Microsoft OneDrive (or OneDrive for Business) to sync the notes you create to the cloud, so your notes are always up to date across all your devices. This guide will describe notable differences in the features and interfaces of the web and mobile apps that will be helpful for you to know. These may look or function a little differently than described here, but the basic functionality is similar. Other available versions include a more fully featured Windows desktop app, a web app, and apps for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. This guide walks you through the basics of using OneNote, focusing on OneNote for Windows 10, the version that comes with Windows 10 and 11 and that’s available for download in the Microsoft Store. But anyone can download the app and use it for free. It’s pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11 and is included with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft OneNote is an excellent tool for the job. A note-taking app can be helpful, especially if it enables you and your co-workers to collaborate on ideas.

One note web app