Table of Contents
How to Use OneNote Templates
STEP 1: Go to the Insert tab and then select Page Templates.
STEP 2: Choose a template that fits your needs.
STEP 3: Edit the template.
Various Types of OneNote Meeting Templates
Traditional Meeting Minutes Templates
This template can be used to capture key points of any meetings. They have sections for date, attendees, agenda items, discussions, decisions, and action items. This makes sure that all relevant details are noted and nothing gets sidetracked. With these templates, you can easily share and edit the notes in real-time.
How to Customize Your Template
Customization Tips
Use the following tips for customization:
- Modify the Layout to fit the meeting type.
- Change font styles, sizes, and colors to improve readability.
- Add company logos or color schemes to maintain a professional look.
- Convert the action items into a to-do list with checkboxes.
- Add hyperlinks to documents for quick reference.
Advanced Techniques
- Custom Page Sizes – Use specific page width and height instead of the standard A4 size.
- Section Groups – Divide the meeting notes into expandable sections for different groups.
- Embed File – Add an embedded file, diagram, audio, or video recording to the template.
- Automated Date Stamps – Use macros to add the current date and time to your notes.
- Tag Summary Pages – Use summary pages to collect all tagged notes, like questions or important items, across multiple pages.
With these advanced techniques, you can create a OneNote template that not only sums up the main point of the meeting but also acts as a dynamic tool in project management.
Integrating OneNote with Other Tools
Microsoft Outlook
You can sync OneNote with Microsoft Outlook to improve your productivity. The Send to OneNote option allows you to save meeting details, emails, and other content directly to OneNote. You can directly start with note taking as the relevant details will already be in place.
Microsoft Teams
You can also integrate OneNote with Microsoft Teams by following the steps below:
- Add the OneNote app within Teams.
- Select the notebook you want the team to collaborate on.
- Members can now edit and share information on real time basis.
Tips for Improved Meeting Notes
Best Practices
Follow the steps below to increase the effectiveness of the notes:
- Enter basic details like date, location, and names before the meeting starts.
- Keep it short.
- Use bullet points as they are easy to read.
- Highlight each task and responsibility using different colors.
- Mention the person and their deadline for each action.
Check Accessibility and Readability of Notes
Follow the points below to make sure meeting notes are accessible and easy to read:
- Use standard fonts, sizes, and colors to maintain a uniform look.
- Organize your notes in a predictable order with clear headings.
- Use clear and simple language that is understood by all.
- Use bullet points instead of writing too much text on a page.
- Use images, videos, and audio clips whenever required.
FAQs
Why use digital templates for meeting notes?
Digital templates streamline the note-taking process, making sure there is consistency, saving time, and improving the organization of meeting details for easy reference and follow-up. They enable collaborative real-time editing, which helps in keeping all participants on the same page. Furthermore, digital templates are eco-friendly and offer great accessibility across multiple devices.
Can OneNote meeting templates be customized for specific company needs?
Yes, OneNote meeting templates can be fully customized to align with specific company needs. From branding elements like logos and color schemes to custom sections for company-specific agenda items, OneNote allows full personalization to suit any organizational requirements.
How to share my OneNote meeting notes with a team?
To share OneNote meeting notes with a team, go to the ‘Share’ option at the top of your OneNote page, choose ‘Share Entire Notebook,’ and send the link to your team members. Check if it’s uploaded to OneDrive for easy access and decide whether to allow editing or view-only permissions.
John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.







