OneNote FAQ: Expert Answers to Your Top Note-Taking Questions

Switching from Evernote to OneNote? As experienced OneNote users and Microsoft productivity experts, we've guided countless users through seamless migrations. OneNote stands out as the premier free alternative to Evernote. Discover key differences and migration tools here. Still undecided? Our in-depth Evernote vs. OneNote comparison covers interfaces, organization, and more to help you decide.

Whether you're new or exploring options, you likely have questions about OneNote. We've compiled expert answers below, drawing from years of hands-on use across platforms.

What is Microsoft OneNote?

OneNote is a versatile digital notebook for capturing notes with text (typed or handwritten), drawings, images, web clips, audio, video, and more. Notes sync seamlessly across Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android phones, iPads, and tablets.

Unlike word processors, OneNote offers freeform pages where you click anywhere to add content. It's designed for organizing ideas, research, and thoughts—not formatted documents for publication.

What is OneNote Used For?

OneNote handles virtually any information type. Here are proven uses from our experience:

• Shopping lists and daily planning—explore 10 unique ways to use OneNote.
• Recipe management (download Microsoft's recipe notebook).
• News aggregation.
• Web article storage via OneNote Web Clipper—pair with our picks for the 7 best free OneNote apps.
• Receipt scanning with Office Lens (see our top free apps list).
• Project management for small teams—learn how in our guide.
• Media playback.

Is OneNote Free?

Yes, OneNote is a robust free Evernote alternative. Read why it's the top choice here. Recent updates make it more feature-rich than ever—especially on Windows 10, where it's pre-installed or available via Microsoft Store.

Office 365 subscribers get OneNote 2016 desktop app (free standalone download via Windows Desktop link). Compare versions: Desktop vs. Store app. It's also on Mac, iOS, Android, web—see our OneNote for Mac guide.

How to Use OneNote

Organize into notebooks, sections, and pages—like a digital three-ring binder. Write freely anywhere on pages. Master it with our comprehensive OneNote 2016 guide or Mac essentials.

Format text, create lists/tables, insert media. Freeform input mimics paper—no rigid layouts.

Where Are OneNote Files Stored?

Default: OneDrive's Documents folder for cloud sync. Local notebooks (OneNote 2016 desktop only) save to local Documents. Customize locations as needed.

Saving OneNote Notebooks

No Save button—auto-saves everything. Adjust defaults in OneNote 2016. Prevent losses with our notebook backup guide.

How to Sync OneNote Notebooks

OneDrive notebooks auto-sync across devices; local ones don't. Manual sync in OneNote 2016: Shift + F9, right-click Sync this notebook now, or File > Info > Settings > Sync.

• Check status: Right-click notebook > Notebook Sync Status or File > Info > View sync status.

Switch to manual sync via settings.

How to Print from OneNote

Freeform pages may not print perfectly—paste into Word for tweaks. In OneNote 2016: File > Print > Preview. Universal app has new features—see our 13 best updates.

How to Delete Notebooks in OneNote

No direct delete—close first (right-click > Close this notebook).

OneDrive notebooks: Browser > OneDrive > Documents > Delete file.

Local: File Explorer > Delete folder.

Delete sections/pages: Right-click > Delete (60-day recycle bin). Restore via Recycle Bin for Notebook: Merge sections, Move/Copy pages.

OneNote in a Nutshell

This covers essentials—dive deeper into 10 unique uses. OneNote keeps life organized; share your questions below for more tailored advice from our team.