Microsoft OneNote
With OneNote you collect text, images and handwritten notes in notepads with sections and pages.
Developer Microsoft
Version 2609 build 20430.20092 (Windows) · Freemium · Windows · macOS · Android · iOS
Looking for an alternative to Microsoft OneNote?Compare CherryTree, Zim, Standard Notes, Simplenote.Compare alternativesOneNote uses a free note surface. You can combine text boxes, images and drawings on a page, for example for lesson notes, remodeling or meetings. Notepads and sections help to separate your topics. Synchronization makes notes accessible on multiple devices, but the possibilities vary per execution. The current desktop app should not be confused with the older OneNote for Windows 10 app. For a document with a fixed print format, a word processor is usually more suitable; OneNote is mainly intended to collect and retrieve material.
Compare Microsoft OneNote with alternatives
Do you want a hierarchy of notes, a free canvas or simple synchronization? It determines which note app connects. Also note attachments, offline access and export: not every program completely converts the layout and links of a notebook to another format.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft OneNoteYou are viewing this app | You combine text, images and handwritten notes on freely assignable pages. The synchronization connects to your Microsoft account. | Windows, macOS, Android, iOSFreemium |
| CherryTreeView this alternative | You organize notes in a tree and combine text with code fragments and attachments. You work with your own note file that you save. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| ZimView this alternative | You can create a personal wiki with linked pages and local storage. This is suitable for notes that you want to organize via links. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| Standard NotesView this alternative | You save notes with encrypted synchronization and can use additional editors depending on your subscription. Check which functions you need without a paid plan. | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSFreemium |
| SimplenoteView this alternative | You synchronize simple text notes with labels and version history. For extended page formatting and large attachments, another note app is more targeted. | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
It helps when you use text and image mixed up and want to organize notes over a long period of time. A tablet pen can make the handwriting functions useful.
Getting started
Follow the current Microsoft download route. After logging in, check which account and storage location are used before opening existing notepads.
Privacy
With cloud synchronization, your notepads are in your Microsoft environment. Note the difference between a personal and work account and check sharing rights before inviting others.
Good to know
The free layout of a note page does not automatically provide a neat print on fixed paper formats. Check the print view if you want to hand out notes.
Please note
Check the synchronization status before reinstalling a device or moving a notepad. Not every function and export option is the same on every platform.
Advantages
- You can combine text, image and handwriting.
- You organize material in notepads and sections.
- You can view notes on multiple devices.
Things to consider
- Functions differ between versions.
- Synchronization and sharing require attention to your account.
- The free page layout is less suitable for fixed print formatting.
Download Microsoft OneNote
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · www.onenote.com
Version history
2609 build 20430.20092 (Windows)
The Windows desktop release follows Microsoft 365's new Current Channel build.
- Version 2609 with build 20430.20092 is the new release within the current channel.
- Microsoft doesn't mention a single new OneNote feature in this build. The correction specifically described concerns Excel, which is not attributed to OneNote.
- With another update channel, your organization can offer an older, still supported build.
2608 build 20326.20144 (Windows)
The Windows version tracks the current Microsoft 365 update channel.
Report a new version
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Our verdict
OneNote fits in collecting various notes in one environment. It works most clearly if you choose some fixed notepads in advance and knowingly manage account and share rights.
The program fits well with material that does not consist exclusively of current text: notes, images and handwriting around the same subject. The free format allows collection, but requires agreements to keep it easy to find. When switching, check synchronization and export of a representative notepad. For a document to be formatted and printed tightly, a word processor is often a more direct process than a free note surface.
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