Note that you can download a free version of OneNote(Opens in a new window) that does not require a Microsoft subscription, but that app lacks some features of the for-pay version. I picked OneNote-specifically the OneNote for Windows 10 app, which requires a Microsoft 365 account-for this guide because it’s cross-platform, flexible, supports many input types (such as touch, handwriting, and stylus), and syncs to an excellent cloud storage service (OneDrive). Why Choose OneNote for a Paper Notebook Replacement? Take Note-Taking to a New Level With OneNote.Formatting a OneNote Page for Note-Taking.Why Choose OneNote for a Paper Notebook Replacement?.Hundreds of different shortcuts are available – you can find them all on Microsoft's help pages. These are 'must-knows' for any power user. There are loads of useful keyboard shortcuts that can greatly speed up your OneNote experience. If you don't want to give people permanent access to your notebook but still want to share the contents of a particular page, you can email other users a copy. At the time of writing, there is no officially supported Linux or Chromebook version, though you can use the web app to access the service on those platforms. OneNote is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

If you have Windows 8 or higher, you can download the universal app version from the Windows Store.

You can download a standalone copy from the OneNote website if you use alternative office productivity software.

If you subscribe to Office 365, it'll be included as part of your package.

There are a few ways to get your hands on a copy.

Unlike Evernote, which charges you for additional features, all of the app's potential is unlocked from the start. Possibly the best part of OneNote is that it's 100 percent free. It's not designed for creating published material if you want to create content for public consumption, use one of Microsoft's other services instead. It's important to realize it's not a word processor all the pages are freeform – you can click anywhere in the window and start typing.

Taking notes in onenote