How to Use Tags as Bookmarks in OneNote for iPad
Question details
The user wants to bookmark specific notes or text in OneNote on an iPad but needs an alternative method since traditional bookmarks are unavailable.

- Product
- Microsoft OneNote
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Organizing and quickly retrieving important notes and sections on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- OneNote for iPad does not provide traditional desktop-style bookmarks, requiring the use of tags and specific search queries to locate marked content.
Ensure your OneNote app is updated to the latest version from the App Store so that all tagging and search functionalities work properly.
Use Tags and Search to Bookmark Content
Apply a specific tag to your important notes and use the Search function to locate the tag name, effectively replacing traditional desktop bookmarks.
Since the iPad version of OneNote does not support the classic bookmarking feature found on desktop versions, built-in tags serve as the best workaround.
By applying standard tags and querying the tag names through the search bar, you can instantly pull up all your bookmarked sections.
Tap the text, image, or item you want to bookmark. Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon and tap the 'Tags' icon. Select a recognizable tag, such as 'Important' or 'Critical', to apply it to your selection.
When you want to find your bookmarked content later, tap the 'Search' icon (magnifying glass) located in the upper right or left corner of the OneNote interface.
In the search bar, type the exact name of the tag you used (e.g., type 'Important' instead of searching for the actual text inside the note). Tap on the search results to jump directly to your tagged bookmark.

Manage Documents Effortlessly with WPS Office
If you are looking for an intuitive platform to organize your notes, read documents, and manage files without compatibility issues, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your productivity remains high without the need for expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Go to the App Store on your iPad and search for 'WPS Office' to download the app for free.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch the app and sign in. You can easily import your existing Microsoft Office files or start creating new documents.
- 3. Organize and Bookmark: Use WPS Office's built-in document management and native bookmarking features to effortlessly organize your important files and text.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create custom tags in OneNote for iPad?
Currently, OneNote for iPad relies on default built-in tags such as 'Important', 'To Do', and 'Question'. Custom tag creation is fully supported on the desktop versions of OneNote, though custom tags created on desktop will sync and display on your iPad.
Why can't I find my tagged notes when searching the note's text?
Searching for specific note text brings up all standard text results across your notebooks. By searching for the exact tag name (like 'Important'), the iPad app isolates only the items you've specifically marked, acting as a dedicated bookmark filter.
Will my iPad tags sync to my computer?
Yes. As long as your iPad is connected to the internet and syncing to your Microsoft account, any tags applied on the iPad will appear on the desktop application, allowing you to use the 'Find Tags' summary pane on your computer.




