How to Streamline Your Workflow with OneNote Templates

By Tanya | Last Updated on April 25th, 2024 10:52 am

In our busy work life, staying organized and efficient is essential, especially when it comes to managing projects and meetings. Microsoft OneNote offers a great way to do this with its templates, acting as a powerful workflow automation tool. These templates help you quickly set up your notes in a consistent format, so you can jump straight into the important stuff - your content. Whether you're planning a meeting, organizing class notes, or laying out a project plan, OneNote's templates make it easy to get started and stay on track. This guide will show you how to use OneNote with popular workflow automation tools, making sure you spend less time on formatting and more on what matters most.

What is a OneNote Template?

A OneNote template is a pre-designed page layout in Microsoft OneNote that users can employ to create new notes with a consistent format, look, and feel. These templates are designed to streamline the note-taking process, enabling users to focus on content rather than formatting. They cover a wide range of purposes, including meeting minutes, project plans, class notes, and personal organization, among others. By offering various structures and designs, OneNote templates cater to different needs and preferences, making them a versatile tool for both professional and personal use. They serve as a powerful workflow automation tool, significantly enhancing productivity and organization. Users can also create custom templates, tailoring their notes to specific requirements and ensuring that every new page starts with the desired layout and essential elements in place.

How to Add a Page From a OneNote Template

OneNote templates provide a predefined structure for your notes, allowing you to quickly create documents that have a consistent look and feel. Here’s how to get started:

Open OneNote : Launch the application and navigate to the notebook where you want to add a new page.
Access Templates : Click on the "Insert" tab in the OneNote ribbon, then select the "Page Templates" button. A sidebar will appear with a variety of template categories.
Choose Your Template : Browse through the categories and select the template that best fits your needs. Options range from class and meeting notes to project overviews and to-do lists.

Templates not only save time but also ensure that all necessary information is captured systematically, making your notes easier to review and share.

How to Create Your Own OneNote Template

While OneNote offers a range of pre-designed templates, creating your own custom template can tailor your notes even further to your specific needs. Here’s how to create a OneNote template:

Design Your Note : Create a new note and add any text, tables, or images that you want to include in your template. Remember to leave placeholders for variable information such as dates or subjects.
Save as Template : Once your note is set up, go to the Templates sidebar again and click on the "Save current page as a template" link at the bottom. Name your template for future reference.

Your custom template will now be available under the "My Templates" section, ready to be used for new pages anytime.

How to Reuse Previously Used OneNote Template

To efficiently reuse a OneNote template you've previously applied, follow these simplified steps:

Navigate to the Insert Tab : Open your OneNote application and head to the ribbon at the top. Click on the "Insert" tab to access its features.
Access Previously Used Templates : Find the "Page Templates" button within the "Insert" tab. Directly beneath this button, you'll see a down arrow. Click on this arrow to reveal a drop-down menu.
Select Your Desired Template : In the drop-down menu, you'll see a list of templates you've used before. Browse through this list and click on the template you wish to use again. This action allows you to quickly apply a familiar template without needing to navigate through the Templates sidebar.

This method provides a straightforward way to consistently use your preferred templates, streamlining your note-taking process by eliminating the need to repeatedly search through the template library.

How to Utilize OneNote Templates on Mac, Web, and Mobile

Although the official template feature is exclusive to OneNote for Windows, users of OneNote on Mac, web, and mobile devices can still benefit from templates with a simple workaround:

Create a Template Note : In your OneNote app, design a note that you wish to use as a template. Include any formatting, text, and placeholders you need.
Copy and Paste for Reuse : Right-click (or tap and hold on mobile) on the note you want to use as a template, select "Copy," then paste it into the desired location for a new note.

This method allows you to replicate the template functionality across all platforms, ensuring you can stay organized regardless of the device you're using.

How to Find Additional OneNote Templates

If you're looking for more specialized templates, the internet offers a wealth of resources. Websites like OneNote Gem provide a variety of templates for different purposes, from meeting notes to project management. Additionally, community-shared resources on platforms like OneDrive can offer templates tailored to specific needs, such as event planning or team meetings.

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Conclusion

OneNote templates stand out as a remarkable workflow automation tool, streamlining your note-taking to boost productivity. Whether you're diving into a template provided by OneNote, crafting a personalized one, or adapting templates for use on various platforms, you're setting the stage for notes that are not only organized but also uniform and effective. This guide has walked you through maximizing the potential of OneNote templates, aiming to save you valuable time and keep you systematically organized across all your endeavors. Embracing OneNote templates means embracing a smarter way of working, where your focus shifts from the mundane task of formatting to the more critical aspects of your content. By integrating these templates into your daily routine, you're not just enhancing your note-taking strategy; you're optimizing your entire workflow, making every project and meeting more manageable and productive.

Want to see how OneNote compares to Evernote? Check out our easy-to-understand comparison of Evernote vs OneNote to help you decide which one is better for your note-taking.

Tanya