Tech Reference

How to create a new notebook in your Microsoft OneNote app

Woman working at an office desk and note-taking
Microsoft's OneNote creates your first notebook for you, but here's how you can create new ones following that. vgajic/Getty Images
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OneNote stores all kinds of notes, written, linked, audio, or video, in notebooks. By creating multiple notebooks, you can keep personal and business information separated or organize all your various projects independently. 

OneNote creates your first notebook automatically when you set up the program, but you can add new notebooks easily at any time, whenever you need new ones. 

If you have an older version of OneNote with a File menu, creating a new notebook is a little different. 

Here's how to do it on the latest and older versions of OneNote. 

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How to create a new notebook in OneNote

1. Click the currently selected notebook and choose the notebook you want from the drop-down menu.

2. At the bottom of the screen, click "Add notebook."

How to create a new notebook in OneNote 1
When you open the notebooks list, it reveals a link to add a new notebook.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

3. Type a name for the notebook. 

4. Click "Create Notebook." 

How to create a new notebook in OneNote in an older version of OneNote

1. Click "File." 

2. Select "New."

3. Choose where to save the new notebook – you'll probably want to click "OneDrive" since this lets you keep your notebook in sync across all your devices and shared it with other people if you want to. 

How to create a new notebook in OneNote 2
Older versions of OneNote locate the notebook controls in the File menu.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. Type a name for the notebook and then click "Create Notebook." 

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Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.