The user interface of Microsoft OneNote offers a variety of functions that make your notes more effective. In this article, you will learn how the user interface is structured and what options are available to you.
Main Insights
- The top menu bar contains important elements such as quick access icons and the profile.
- The tabs provide access to specific functions provided by OneNote.
- The workspace is central to creating and organizing notes.
Overview of the User Interface
The user interface of OneNote is clearly structured and easy to understand. At the top, you will find the menu bar, which gives you access to various functions and settings.

To the left of the menu bar are the quick access icons. You can customize these according to your needs to have frequently used functions at hand.
Furthermore, there is a search bar that helps you quickly find all your notes. You can activate the search using the ALT + M key combination, which speeds up the process even more.
On the right side, you will see your profile. Here you can see how you are logged into OneNote. Additionally, you have the option to minimize or close the application.
The Tabs
Beneath the menu bar, you will find the tabs that provide access to various functions. The main tabs are:
- Home
- Insert
- Draw
- History
- Review
- View
- Help
These tabs may look similar to those in other Office applications, such as Microsoft Word or Excel, at first glance.
Each tab has specific command groups. For example, in the "Home" tab, you will find groups like "Clipboard" and "Text Styles." These groups contain the individual actions you can take to format your notes.
An important point is that some tabs are specific to OneNote. The "History" tab is a good example of this, as it does not exist in other Office applications. These specific functions offer you additional editing and organizing options for your notes.
If you right-click on the ribbon, you can customize the ribbon and get an overview of all the main tabs.

Additionally, there are specific tabs for different tools that are only displayed when you actively use those tools.
The Workspace
At the bottom of the user interface, you will find your workspace, which allows you to organize your notes and sections. Here, you can add and edit notebooks, sections, and pages.
Depending on the placement of the page navigator, you will see your individual pages as well as subpages. This structure helps you organize your notes clearly and quickly access the information you are looking for.
Summary
Microsoft OneNote offers a user-friendly interface that helps you efficiently organize and edit your notes. The clear structure of the menu bar, the function of the tabs, and the workspace are essential components that support you in working with OneNote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize the quick access icons?You can customize the quick access icons by right-clicking on the icons and selecting the desired functions.
What to do if the search bar is not working?Make sure you are using the correct key combination (ALT + M) or check your settings.
Where can I find specific tools in OneNote?Specific tools are displayed in the respective tabs once you use them.
How can I create notebooks and sections?In the workspace, you can create new items by clicking on "New Notebook" or "New Section."