How to Find and Use OneNote Example Notebooks and Page Templates
Question details
The user wants to locate and utilize built-in example notebooks and page templates for organizing tasks such as classes, journaling, and business records.
- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to standardize note formats across different sections by applying consistent page templates and utilizing example notebooks.
- Observed behavior
- The command for example notebooks redirects to a general Microsoft templates page, and built-in template features vary heavily depending on the specific version of OneNote being used.
Verify which version of OneNote you have installed. The full Page Templates feature is exclusively available in the desktop version of OneNote 2013 and OneNote 2016, whereas OneNote for Windows 10 and the web version have limited template capabilities.
Apply Built-in Page Templates in OneNote Desktop
Use the built-in templates feature in OneNote 2016 or 2013 to quickly insert pre-formatted planners, lists, and backgrounds.
OneNote's desktop application includes a variety of default templates tailored for academic, business, and personal use. These templates provide consistent layouts to save you from manually copying structures between pages.
Open OneNote 2016 or 2013 and go to the notebook section where you want to add a new page. Click on the 'Insert' tab located in the top ribbon.
Click on 'Page Templates' on the far right side of the ribbon. A sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen displaying template categories.
Expand categories like 'Academic', 'Blank', 'Business', or 'Planners' to view the available layouts.
Click on the template name (e.g., 'Simple To Do List' or 'Detailed Meeting Notes'). OneNote will instantly create a new page utilizing that design.
Create and Save Custom Page Templates
Design a personalized page layout and save it as a custom template to easily reuse it for future notes.
Set a Default Template for a Section
Force a specific notebook section to automatically apply your chosen template every time a new page is created.
Organize Your Notes and Projects with WPS Office Templates
If you are struggling with missing templates in your version of OneNote, consider using WPS Office. It provides a massive, easily accessible library of free, built-in templates for planners, meeting minutes, and project management that work seamlessly across all devices.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your computer.
- 2. Browse the Template Gallery: Open WPS Office and click on 'Templates' on the homepage to explore categories for education, business, and personal planning.
- 3. Apply and Edit: Select a template that matches your note-taking needs and click 'Use Now' to start writing your notes immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are page templates missing in OneNote for Windows 10?
Newer versions like OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote for the web have a simplified interface that does not include the robust Page Templates pane found in the classic OneNote 2016 desktop app. As a workaround in newer versions, you must create a formatted page manually and duplicate it by right-clicking the page tab and selecting 'Copy'.
Where can I find OneNote example notebooks for business or class organization?
Microsoft previously offered direct downloads for specialized example notebooks, but these in-app links now frequently redirect to the general Microsoft Create template gallery. It is recommended to search the official Microsoft Create portal online or look for specialized third-party OneNote templates shared by productivity communities.
Can I edit an existing custom page template in OneNote?
You cannot directly edit a saved template file within OneNote. Instead, you need to create a new page using the template you want to change, make your necessary edits, and then save it again as a new template by clicking 'Save current page as a template'. You can then delete the old version from the 'My Templates' list.
