How to Change OneNote Layout

OneNote is an incredibly versatile tool that helps keep your notes organized and accessible. However, sometimes the default layout doesn't quite fit your style or needs. Whether you're tidying up your digital workspace or making OneNote more visually appealing, changing the layout can make a big difference. So, let's explore how to tweak OneNote to your liking and make it work for you.

Switching Between Vertical and Horizontal Tabs

One of the first things you might want to do is decide how your tabs are displayed. In OneNote, you can choose between vertical and horizontal tabs, depending on what suits you better. It's like choosing between a landscape and portrait mode on your phone. Each has its own benefits, and neither is inherently better. Here's how to switch between them:

• Vertical Tabs: These are perfect if you're someone who loves a long list view. To switch to vertical tabs, head over to the View tab on your ribbon, then click on Navigation Pane. Choose Vertical Tabs from the options.
• Horizontal Tabs: If you're more of a traditionalist and prefer the tabs at the top of your screen, this is your go-to layout. You can switch back to horizontal tabs by selecting Horizontal Tabs in the same Navigation Pane menu.

Choosing between these two might seem minor, but it can significantly impact how you navigate through your notes. Vertical tabs are great for those with lots of sections, while horizontal tabs fit perfectly if you have fewer, broader categories. Interestingly enough, making this small change can refresh your whole OneNote experience.

Adjusting the Page Layout

Just like how a tidy desk can improve your work efficiency, a well-organized page layout in OneNote can make your note-taking more effective. It's about aligning your workspace with your workflow. Here's how to adjust the page layout:

• Page Margins: You can create a more structured look by setting page margins. Go to View on the ribbon and select Paper Size. From here, you can choose predefined margins or set custom sizes.
• Page Color and Rule Lines: Under the View tab, you'll find Page Color and Rule Lines. Changing the page color can help differentiate sections, while rule lines can make handwritten notes neater.

Experiment with different colors and line styles. It's like redecorating your room. Sometimes a small change is all you need to make the space feel new again. Plus, customizing your layout can make your notes easier to read and more visually appealing.

Customizing the Ribbon

The ribbon in OneNote is the toolbar that runs across the top of the app, and it's packed with commands and features. However, you might find yourself using only a handful of these options regularly. Let's tweak the ribbon to better fit your needs:

• Adding or Removing Commands: Right-click on the ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon. Here, you can add or remove commands to streamline your workflow.
• Creating a New Tab: If you want a more personalized touch, you can create a new tab. In the same menu, click New Tab, and then you can add any commands you frequently use.
• Renaming Tabs: To rename any tab, simply select it and click Rename.

Customizing your ribbon is like cleaning out your closet. You get rid of what you don't need and keep what you do, making everything easier to find. This can speed up your workflow because everything you need is right at your fingertips.

Rearranging Sections and Pages

For those of us who are a bit obsessive about organization, rearranging sections and pages in OneNote can be a satisfying task. It's like alphabetizing your bookshelf or organizing your apps by color. Here's how to do it:

• Moving Sections: Simply drag and drop sections to rearrange them. Click and hold the section tab you want to move, then drag it to its new position.
• Moving Pages: Similar to sections, drag and drop pages within or between sections. This can help you keep related notes together.

This might seem like a small task, but having your sections and pages in a logical order can save you time when you're looking for specific notes. Plus, it's a great way to declutter and ensure your notes are organized in a way that makes sense to you.

Using Templates for Consistency

If you're someone who loves consistency, using templates in OneNote can be a game-changer. It's like having a default setting for your notes, ensuring everything looks neat and uniform. Here's how you can make use of templates:

• Accessing Templates: Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon and click on Page Templates. Here, you can choose from a variety of pre-made templates.
• Creating Custom Templates: If the existing templates don't quite fit your style, you can create your own. Design a page how you like it, then go back to Page Templates and select Save Current Page as a Template.

Templates can save you a lot of time, especially if you frequently create similar types of notes. It's like having a favorite outfit you wear for important meetings. Consistent and reliable. Plus, it gives your notes a professional, polished look.

Taking Advantage of Tags

Tags in OneNote are a powerful way to label and categorize your notes. Imagine them as sticky notes in a book, helping you mark important information. Here's how to make the most of tags:

• Applying Tags: Highlight the text you want to tag, then go to the Home tab and choose a tag from the Tags group.
• Creating Custom Tags: If the pre-set tags aren't cutting it, you can create your own. Click on Customize Tags at the bottom of the tag list, and then New Tag to create one that fits your needs.
• Searching by Tags: You can quickly find tagged content by clicking on Find Tags in the Home tab.

Tags are a great way to highlight important notes and make them easily searchable. They can be especially handy for those large notebooks with dozens of pages where finding a single note can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Integrating with Other Tools

OneNote doesn't exist in a bubble. It can integrate with a variety of other tools to make your workflow even smoother. Think of it as adding a new gadget to your workspace. It opens up a whole new range of possibilities. Here's how you can integrate OneNote with other tools:

• Outlook Integration: You can link tasks and emails from Outlook directly into OneNote. In Outlook, select an email and click OneNote in the ribbon to send it to your notebook.
• Microsoft Teams: If you're using Teams, you can add OneNote tabs to your channels for shared note-taking.
• Third-Party Apps: There are numerous third-party apps, like Zapier, that let you automate tasks between OneNote and other apps.

The ability to integrate with other tools can save you a lot of time and help keep everything organized. It's like having a personal assistant who knows exactly where everything is and can pull it up in an instant.

Speaking of saving time, Spell is another fantastic tool to consider. It offers AI-powered features that can help you draft and edit documents faster, much like how OneNote helps organize your notes. With Spell, you can go from idea to a polished document in minutes, streamlining your workflow even further.

Maximizing the Use of Spell Check

We all make typos and spelling errors from time to time. Thankfully, OneNote comes equipped with a built-in spell checker to catch those mistakes before they become embarrassing mishaps. Here's how you can make the most of it:

• Running a Spell Check: Go to the Review tab and click Spelling to run a check on your note.
• Adding to Dictionary: If you frequently use certain jargon or names, you can add them to your dictionary. Right-click the word and select Add to Dictionary.
• Auto-Correct Options: Customize your auto-correct settings by selecting AutoCorrect Options under the File tab.

Spell check is your safety net when you're racing through notes or jotting down thoughts quickly. It's like having a trusted friend who taps you on the shoulder to let you know you've made a mistake. And if you want to go a step further, consider using Spell for more advanced editing and document creation features. It's like supercharging your spell check with AI capabilities.

Utilizing Spell for Document Creation

While OneNote is excellent for organizing notes, sometimes you need to create more formal documents. That's where Spell comes into play. Here's how it can enhance your document creation process:

• AI-Powered Drafting: Spell can generate high-quality drafts in seconds, allowing you to focus on refining and personalizing content.
• Natural Language Editing: You can make edits using simple commands, eliminating the need for complex formatting changes.
• Real-Time Collaboration: With Spell, you can work with your team in real-time, streamlining the review and editing process.

Think of Spell as a turbo boost for your document creation process. It takes the hassle out of drafting and editing so you can concentrate on what really matters - your ideas. And the best part? You don't have to leave your current workflow to make use of it.

Final Thoughts

Changing the layout in OneNote and integrating tools like Spell can truly enhance your productivity. Whether you're adjusting tabs, customizing the ribbon, or leveraging AI for document creation, these tweaks can make a big difference in how you work. With Spell, you can create and edit documents much more efficiently, turning long processes into quick tasks.