The fastest way to start a new notebook

Open OneNote and look for the File menu at the top left. Click it, then select New. You'll see options to create a notebook on your computer, in OneDrive, or in SharePoint. Choose where you want to store it — your computer keeps it local, while OneDrive and SharePoint let you access it from any device and share it with others.

OneNote will ask you to name the notebook and pick a location to save it. Type a name that describes what you'll use it for (like "Project Planning" or "Meeting Notes"), then click Create Notebook. The new notebook opens immediately and is ready for you to start adding pages and sections.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a new notebook through File > New, then choose whether to store it on your computer, OneDrive, or SharePoint.
  • OneNote automatically creates a default section called "Quick Notes" in your new notebook, but you can rename or delete it.
  • Notebooks stored on OneDrive or SharePoint can be accessed from any device where you're signed into your Microsoft account.
  • You can create multiple notebooks for different purposes — one for work, one for personal projects, one for a specific class or client.

Choosing where to store your notebook

The location you pick affects how you access your notebook later. If you choose This PC, the notebook lives only on that computer. You can open it from OneNote on that machine, but you won't see it on your phone or another computer unless you manually move the file.

If you choose OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage, the notebook syncs automatically across all your devices. You can open it on your phone, tablet, or another computer as long as you're signed into your Microsoft account. This is the most flexible option for people who work across multiple devices. SharePoint is similar but designed for team notebooks where multiple people need to edit the same notes together.

What happens after you create the notebook

OneNote automatically creates a section called Quick Notes inside your new notebook. A section is a container for pages — think of it like a folder. You can rename this section by right-clicking it and selecting Rename Section, or delete it if you don't need it.

To add pages to your notebook, click the + button next to the section name. Each page is where you actually type notes, paste images, or add other content. You can create as many sections and pages as you need, and organize them however makes sense for your work.

Creating sections and pages within your notebook

Once your notebook exists, you'll spend most of your time adding sections and pages to it. Right-click on the section name to rename it, delete it, or change its color. To create a new section, look for the + button next to your existing sections — click it and type a name.

Pages go inside sections. Click the + button next to a section name to add a page, then type a title for that page. You can also right-click a page to duplicate it, move it to a different section, or delete it. OneNote saves your changes automatically, so you don't have to worry about losing work.

Accessing your notebook from different devices

If you stored your notebook on OneDrive or SharePoint, open OneNote on your phone, tablet, or another computer and sign in with the same Microsoft account. Your notebooks appear in the list on the left side. Tap or click the one you want to open. Changes you make on one device sync to all the others within a few seconds.

If you stored your notebook on your computer only, it won't appear on other devices. To move it to OneDrive later, go to File > Info, find the notebook name, and look for an option to move it. OneNote will guide you through the process.

Organizing multiple notebooks

Many people create separate notebooks for different areas of life — one for work, one for personal projects, one for a class or client. This keeps your notes organized and makes it easier to find what you're looking for. You can see all your notebooks listed on the left side of OneNote, and switch between them by clicking their names.

You can also create a notebook just for temporary notes and delete it later. There's no limit to how many notebooks you can create, so don't worry about using up space. The main thing is to name them clearly so you remember what each one is for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change where a notebook is stored after I create it?

Yes. Go to File > Info, find the notebook you want to move, and look for the move option. OneNote will let you transfer it from your computer to OneDrive, or from OneDrive to SharePoint. The process takes a few minutes and your notes stay intact.

What's the difference between a section and a page?

A section is a container, like a folder. A page is where you actually write notes. Think of a notebook as a binder, sections as dividers inside it, and pages as the sheets of paper. You need at least one section to create pages.

Do I need a Microsoft account to create a notebook?

You need a Microsoft account only if you want to store your notebook on OneDrive or SharePoint. If you store it on your computer only, you can use OneNote without signing in. However, signing in is free and gives you access to your notebooks from anywhere.

Can I share a notebook with someone else?

Yes, but only if it's stored on OneDrive or SharePoint. Right-click the notebook name and select Share. You can send a link to other people and control whether they can view only or edit the notebook. Notebooks stored on your computer can't be shared this way.

What happens if I delete a notebook by mistake?

If it was on OneDrive or SharePoint, check your OneDrive or SharePoint recycle bin — you can restore it from there within 93 days. If it was stored on your computer only, it goes to your computer's recycle bin and you can restore it from there if you haven't emptied it yet.