OneNote is like that trusty notebook you always wanted, but without the clutter of torn pages and missing pens. It's a digital space where you can organize your thoughts, notes, and plans. One of its neat features is creating subpages, which can help you keep everything tidy and easy to navigate. Let's walk through how to make a subpage in OneNote, adding a layer of organization to your digital notebook.
Why Use Subpages in OneNote?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's worth pondering why subpages are so useful in OneNote. Picture this. You have a major project at work. It's multifaceted, with different components like research, planning, and execution. Without subpages, your OneNote section can quickly become overwhelming. That's where subpages come in handy. They allow you to compartmentalize information, making your notes more structured and easier to navigate. It's like having a filing system within your notebook, helping you find what you need without sifting through an endless scroll of notes.
Subpages are also great for personal use. Whether you're planning a vacation, organizing a wedding, or just managing a busy household, having the ability to create subpages lets you break down tasks and keep everything in one place. So, rather than having a mishmash of information, you can have a neat hierarchy of pages and subpages that make sense to you.
Getting Started with Pages
Before we dive into subpages, let's make sure we're on the same page. Literally. About pages in OneNote. When you open OneNote, you generally start with sections and pages. Think of sections like chapters in a book, and pages as the individual sheets within those chapters. To add a page, simply click on the "Add Page" button usually found on the right side of the OneNote window. Give your page a title, and you're ready to jot down your thoughts.
Pages in OneNote are incredibly versatile. You can type, draw, add links, and even insert files. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for your notes. Once you're comfortable with creating and using pages, you're ready to explore the wonders of subpages.
Creating Your First Subpage
Now that you have some pages, it's time to create a subpage. Here's how you do it:
- Go to the list of pages in your section.
- Find the page that you want to make a subpage of another page.
- Right-click on that page.
- Select "Make Subpage" from the context menu.
And just like that, you've created a subpage! It's nestled under the main page, slightly indented, indicating its subordinate status. This visual hierarchy helps you quickly see the relationship between pages and their subpages.

Nested Subpages
If you're feeling extra organized, OneNote allows you to create subpages of subpages, giving you even more levels of detail. To do this, simply repeat the steps above on an existing subpage, and voilla, you have a nested subpage.
Renaming Pages and Subpages
It's important to keep your pages and subpages clearly labeled. This will save you confusion down the road. To rename a page or subpage, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the title of the page or subpage you wish to rename.
- Type your new title.
- Click away or press Enter to save the new name.
Clear and concise titles make it much easier to find what you're looking for later. Think of it as giving each page and subpage its own identity.
Reorganizing Pages and Subpages
Life is dynamic, and so are your notes. Sometimes, you need to reorganize your pages and subpages as priorities shift. Here's how you can do that:
- Click and hold the page or subpage you want to move.
- Drag it to the desired location in the page list.
- Release the mouse button to drop it into place.
It's as simple as that. OneNote gives you the flexibility to rearrange your thoughts however you see fit, which is great for adapting to the ever-changing nature of projects and plans.
Collapsing and Expanding Subpages
If you have a lot of subpages, your list can get quite long. To keep things tidy, you can collapse subpages under their main page. Here's how:
- Find the main page with subpages.
- Click the small arrow next to the main page's title.
- To expand, click the arrow again.
This feature is incredibly useful for keeping your workspace uncluttered, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without being overwhelmed by a long list of pages.
Using Tags for Better Organization
While subpages help structure your notes, tags add another layer of organization. Tags are like sticky notes that help you categorize and prioritize your information. Here's how you can use them:
- Select the text or item you want to tag.
- Go to the "Home" tab on OneNote's ribbon.
- Select a tag from the "Tags" group.
Tags can be anything from "To-Do" to "Important" or "Question." You can even create custom tags that fit your specific needs. Using tags in tandem with subpages can really elevate the way you manage your notes.
Searching Through Your Notes
Even with subpages and tags, there might be times when you struggle to find that one note you need. This is where OneNote's search function shines. Simply type a keyword in the search bar, and OneNote will show you all the places it appears. It's like having a personal assistant who knows where everything is.
If you're using Spell, you might find it even easier to search through your documents, as it offers intuitive search capabilities that can help you locate your information quickly and efficiently.
Sharing and Collaborating
OneNote isn't just for personal use. It's a powerful tool for collaboration. You can share your notebook with others and work together in real time. Here's how to do it:
- Click on the "Share" button in the top right corner.
- Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share with.
- Choose whether they can edit or just view.
- Click "Share" to send out the invites.
Collaborating in OneNote lets everyone contribute their ideas and stay updated on progress. It's perfect for team projects, study groups, or even planning a family event.


Integrating with Other Tools
OneNote plays well with others, meaning you can integrate it with various tools to enhance its functionality. For example, you can connect it with Outlook to manage tasks or sync it with your calendar. Here's a simple way to link OneNote with Outlook:
- Highlight the text you want to turn into a task.
- Click on "Outlook Tasks" in the "Home" tab.
- Select a due date from the dropdown menu.
This integration helps you keep track of tasks directly from your notes, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. If you're using Spell, you'll find this type of integration seamless, allowing you to switch between tasks with ease while maintaining the flow of your work.
Tips for Keeping Your Notes Organized
While OneNote offers a plethora of features to keep you organized, here are a few extra tips to make sure your notes stay in tip-top shape:
- Consistent Naming: Use a consistent naming convention for your pages and subpages. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for.
- Regular Clean-Up: Set aside time to review and clean up your notes. Delete old or unnecessary pages to keep your notebook tidy.
- Use Colors: OneNote allows you to color-code sections and pages. Use this feature to visually distinguish different topics or projects.
- Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating your notebook with too many subpages and tags. Simplicity often leads to better organization.
Final Thoughts
Creating subpages in OneNote is a simple yet effective way to organize your notes. It helps you maintain a clear structure, whether you're working on a big project or managing daily tasks. And if you're looking to streamline your document creation even further, Spell can help you draft and edit documents with ease, saving you time and effort. Happy organizing!