Microsoft OneNote

What is Microsoft OneNote?

Microsoft OneNote is a digital notebook application that enables users to capture, organize, and share information in virtually any format. As part of the Microsoft 365 productivity suite, OneNote provides a flexible canvas where users can type notes, handwrite or draw with digital ink, clip content from the web, record audio, embed files, and more—all organized into notebooks, sections, and pages.

Key Features

OneNote offers a comprehensive set of note-taking tools including a free-form canvas that allows content placement anywhere on the page, robust organizational structure with notebooks, sections, and pages, excellent inking capabilities for stylus users, audio recording during note-taking, the OneNote Web Clipper for saving web content, and deep integration with other Microsoft applications like Outlook, Teams, and Word.

Who Should Use OneNote?

OneNote is ideal for students capturing lecture notes, professionals organizing project information, researchers collecting and synthesizing data, creative thinkers who prefer a non-linear approach to note organization, and teams collaborating on shared information. It's particularly valuable for users already working within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Pricing

While a free version of OneNote is available with basic features, the full experience comes with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft 365 Personal costs $6.99/month (or $69.99/year) for one person, while Microsoft 365 Family is $9.99/month (or $99.99/year) for up to 6 people. For businesses, Microsoft 365 Business Basic starts at $6.00/user/month, Business Standard at $12.50/user/month, and Business Premium at $22.00/user/month.

User Experience

Users appreciate OneNote's flexibility and powerful feature set, particularly its ability to handle various types of content in one place. The canvas-like approach allows for more creative organization than linear note-taking apps. While some users find the interface initially overwhelming with its many features and ribbons, those who invest time learning the system often become loyal advocates for its capabilities.

Bottom Line

Microsoft OneNote stands out as one of the most comprehensive note-taking solutions available, offering exceptional versatility in content types and organization. Its integration with Microsoft's ecosystem makes it particularly valuable for users of other Microsoft products. While it may present a slightly steeper learning curve than simpler note-taking apps, OneNote rewards users with a powerful system for capturing and organizing information across all aspects of work and personal life.