Use and adjust categories in Microsoft OneNote

Working with Microsoft OneNote is significantly enhanced by using categories. Categories help to structure notes and highlight important information. In this tutorial, you will learn all the essentials about the "Categories" command group and discover how you can effectively use these functions in your work routine for better organization. Familiarize yourself with the different icons available and learn how to effectively incorporate them into your notes.

Key Takeaways

• Categories in OneNote support clear structuring of your notes.
• Different icons help categorize various types of information.
• You can customize and create your own categories.

Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting and Using Categories

Start by recognizing the option of categories in the "Home" command group. Here you can create a note and use different symbols for it. For example, you can note down text in OneNote and add different categories, which will be displayed to the left of the text.

Creating To-Do Lists

If you want to create a to-do list, it is helpful to assign relevant categories to it. List the tasks you still need to do, such as writing a paper or studying for an exam. You can then mark the task by assigning it to a specific category like "Tasks". Use the shortcut Ctrl + 1 to apply this quickly.

Highlighting Important Notes

Some notes are so important that you want to make sure not to forget them. For instance, you could create a reminder for an important event, like picking up your brother from the train station. Mark this note as important by clicking on the "Important" category. By using the "Important" category, it will be highlighted more clearly, and you won't overlook it.

Formulating Questions

If you have questions that you want to clarify at a later time, you can also represent a question in your notes. Use the shortcut Ctrl + 3 to add this category. For example, you could note a question about whether you want to order food.

Creating Contacts

You can also add contacts as a category. For example, if you want to save the contact of Max Mustermann, use the corresponding icon and note down his phone number. This helps you quickly access important contact information.

Customizing Your Own Categories

OneNote allows you to create your own categories. Go to "Customize Category" and click on "new Category" to do so. For example, name the new category "Test" and choose a suitable symbol and highlight color. Once you confirm this, you will see the new category directly in your notebook.

Removing Categories

If you no longer need categories, you can also easily remove them. Select the category you want to delete and remove it to improve your organization.

Searching for Categories

Another helpful feature is searching for categories you have already used. In your notebook, you can search for existing categories through a menu bar that appears and you can also group them. For example, by category, section, date, etc. This way, you keep track of your tasks to be done.

Grouping and Managing Tasks

If you have multiple tasks categorized, you can display them grouped. Click on a category and check off the tasks to quickly mark them as done. The tasks will then be clearly structured in the overview, so you always know what still needs to be done.

Summary

Using categories in Microsoft OneNote is an extremely useful tool to organize your notes. You have seen how easy it is to select categories, create your own, and use them effectively in your work routine. With the different symbols and the ability to customize your categories, managing your notes becomes more efficient.