With a variety of color options and several different writing implements, it almost seems a shame to merely take notes. Sure, you can use OneNote’s inking tools when creating handwritten notes-but why stop there? Just like that, your handwriting converts to easy-to-read text in the default font and size. And your converted text even appears in search results. Write out your note, select it by using the Lasso tool, and then click Ink to Text.

Luckily, OneNote lets you convert your handwriting to easily searchable text. That said, not all of us are blessed with perfect penmanship-and searching for handwritten notes can be a chore.

While computers and mobile devices are standard tools these days, some of us still retain information better when we write our notes by hand rather than typing them out. Do more than typeįirst off, OneNote includes some solid inking tools. Admittedly, they work a whole lot better when you’re using a device with a touchscreen and a pen or stylus, but even if you’re using a trackpad or mouse, inking has its uses.

Not everyone will use OneNote the same way, but no matter your style-super-organized note-taker or stream-of-consciousness brainstormer-OneNote can make your life and your job easier. Here are 12 features that will teach you how to use OneNote like a pro. Whether you use the free OneNote for Windows 10 app or the OneNote app that comes with your Microsoft 365 subscriptions, you have some incredible features at your fingertips (literally!). To be fair, taking notes isn’t a task most people get excited about. But when you really learn how to use OneNote, you may find yourself saying, “Whoa, I didn’t know it could do that !”

(Or at least the people who haven’t read this article.) “Wow, OneNote is a crazy cool app!” said no one ever.

Onenote and to do