In today’s whirlwind of hybrid teams, ever-evolving ideas, and non-stop collaboration, keeping your thoughts sorted can feel like rounding up a pack of wild cats.
Say hello to Microsoft OneNote—a cracking, all-in-one gem built to nab your brightest sparks, stash your notes, and share your insights without fuss.
Whether you’re scribbling down meeting gold, plotting projects, or corralling research, OneNote whips your digital mess into a tidy haven.
Ready to take on the chaos? Discover how OneNote can transform your workday:
What Is OneNote?
Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app that mimics the structure of a physical notebook. It allows users to create notebooks that are divided into sections and pages, making it easy to organise information logically. Content can include typed notes, images, audio recordings, handwriting (particularly useful on touchscreen devices), links, and even embedded files.
Because OneNote is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, it integrates smoothly with other tools such as Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. That means notes taken in a meeting can be shared in a Teams channel or referenced in an Outlook calendar invite.
Possible Uses of OneNote
OneNote is as versatile as its users need it to be. Some common use cases include:
- Meeting notes: Organise agendas, action points, and follow-ups in one place, accessible to all participants.
- Project planning: Track deadlines, store documents, and outline project milestones across a shared notebook.
- Research collation: Gather links, images, and references into a single, easily navigable document.
- Training and onboarding: Create structured, multimedia training resources for new staff.
- Personal productivity: Use OneNote as a digital to-do list or idea journal that syncs across devices.
Its structure is particularly useful for those who prefer a visual, non-linear approach to note-taking. Each page can be used like a blank canvas, allowing users to move and organise elements as they wish.
Benefits of OneNote
OneNote brings a range of benefits to both individuals and organisations, helping to improve productivity and streamline the way information is captured and shared.
One of its standout features is the ability to collaborate in real time. Shared notebooks allow teams to work together, with updates visible instantly—ideal for meeting notes, brainstorming sessions, or ongoing project work. And because OneNote syncs automatically across devices, your notes are always up to date, whether you’re working from your desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Its integration with Microsoft 365 also adds real value. You can pull in meeting details from Outlook, share notes directly in Teams, or embed documents from SharePoint – all within a single, intuitive interface. This removes the need to jump between applications and helps keep everything connected.
Finding information is quick and easy too. OneNote’s built-in search functionality lets users locate specific words, phrases or tags across all their notebooks—saving valuable time and reducing frustration.
Finally, OneNote offers enterprise-grade security as part of Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. With options for setting permissions and controlling access, it’s a secure platform for storing everything from casual notes to confidential project details.
What Licences Include OneNote?
OneNote is available with most Microsoft 365 licences, including:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic, Standard, and Premium
- Microsoft 365 Apps for Business
- Microsoft 365 E3 and E5
- Microsoft 365 Education licences
There’s also a free version of OneNote available as a standalone app for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
Get Onboard With OneNote
OneNote is a powerful but often underutilised tool in the Microsoft 365 suite. Its flexibility, collaboration features, and seamless integration make it ideal for organisations looking to stay organised and productive.
Whether you’re planning projects, capturing meeting notes, or centralising team knowledge, OneNote offers a smart, intuitive solution that adapts to your way of working.
Need help rolling out OneNote across your organisation? Get in touch to learn how we can help:
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