Microsoft OneNote is one of the popular note-taking solutions. The software is available on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Web. OneNote uses OneDrive to store and synchronize the data across platforms. Millions of users use the note-taking app there as it is free, comes with tons of features and sharing options out of the box.
With such popularity and usage, OneNote does come with some annoying behaviors. For example, you cannot synchronize data to other cloud storage platforms. And as you start using the service with multiple notebooks and sections across the devices, you might encounter OneNote sync error in the app. That has been the sore point of OneNote from the beginning, slow and unreliable syncing across the devices.
If you are someone stuck with OneNote sync error on your Windows or macOS, then that might be the perfect read for you. We will talk about the different ways to solve the syncing issue on the OneNote. Let us get started.
1. Check Notebook on the Web
Microsoft OneNote The digital note-taking app for your. When OneNote for Mac launched, it had a few features. But in the past few months, Microsoft has completely revamped the OneNote app. The navigation interface is new. It matches the design aesthetics and functionality of OneNote in Windows 10. In this guide, we'll walk you through some essential features and show you how to use OneNote on Mac.
One can quickly check if the issue is from the OneNote or the installed app on the PC.
Step 1: Open the OneNote desktop app and select any notebook.
Step 2: Move to File > Info and copy the Notebook path.
Step 3: Open a web browser and paste the link.
On a Mac, open Notebook and move to Notebook section in the ribbon and select copy link to this notebook.
If the Notebook is opening on the web, then the issue is with the installed app on the devices. Let’s fix that.
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Read More2. Update OneNote
Microsoft frequently provides OneNote updates across the platforms. On Windows, it maintains two versions of OneNote. Universal Windows app of OneNote and the Office 365 desktop app. The company decided to wave goodbye to the OneNote desktop app, but due to the popular demand, it reversed the decision and released the OneNote 2016 with the dark theme support.
The OneNote sync error could be due to the last app update that might have messed up the syncing in the app. Download the latest update for the OneNote.
For UWP (Universal Windows Platform) OneNote, open Microsoft Store and navigate to Downloads and Updates > Get Updates and install the latest version of the app. For OneNote Desktop, open the app and select File > Account > Update Options > Update Now.
As for macOS, open the Mac App Store and go to updates and download the latest build of the app. Open the latest app and watch for the latest sync status.
3. Set the Notebook to Sync Automatically
By default, OneNote syncs the Notebooks automatically whenever you open the device on the PC or Mac. If you have somehow disabled it, then let’s switch it back on.
For the UWP app, open OneNote and move to Settings > Options and toggle on sync notebook automatically option from the menu. For the desktop OneNote, right-click on any Notebook and select Notebook Sync Status. Switch on the sync automatically whenever there are changes option.
4. Sync Notebooks Manually
If you are still facing sync issues on OneNote, then you might want to force the Notebooks and section to sync manually. For UWP, right-click on any notebook, and select Sync > Sync this notebook option.
For the OneNote desktop app, right-click on any Notebook and select Sync this notebook now option. You can also use the Shift + F9 keyboard shortcut to sync the select notebook manually. I mostly use the OneNote keyboard shortcuts.
The trick is the same for the macOS version too. Right-click on the notebook and select sync in this notebook or use the ‘command + S’ keyboard shortcut.
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Read More5. Reopen the Notebook
This trick has worked for many. Users can close the notebook and open it again from the same location. For the OneNote desktop, right-click on any notebook and select ‘Close this notebook’ option. Now open it by going into File > Open and select the Notebook from the OneDrive.
For the UWP app, right-click on any notebook and select the close notebook option. Open it again from the more notebook option.
6. Move Conflicting Notes to Another Section
You might have encountered the conflicted changes highlighted in red color in the notes. The behavior happens when you and your partner both make edits in the same note of the shared notebook.
In such cases, you can move or copy the notes or sections in another notebook. Right-click on section and move or copy them to another notebook.
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Click here to see our onenote articles page7. Delete Space on PC and OneDrive
As I mentioned before, the software uses Microsoft OneDrive to sync the data across the devices. By default, it comes with only 5GB of storage, which quickly gets filled up due to images and videos. You can delete some of the OneDrive storage or opt for the Microsoft 365 subscription, which offers 1TB of cloud storage.
One can also optimize the inactive files to save some space. Open OneNote desktop and navigate to File > Options > Save and Backup and select the Optimize all files now option.
Resolve OneNote Syncing Issue
OneNote is an excellent service. But the syncing error is something to look out for a smooth experience across the devices. Use the guidelines above and resolve the syncing error from the OneNote.
Next up:OneNote software comes with a capable PDF functions. Read the post below to find the best tips and tricks for it.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextTop 6 OneNote PDF Tips and Tricks to Use It like a ProAlso See#Tips & Tricks #macos
Did You Know
You can switch manually to the tablet mode in Windows 10.
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Microsoft OneNote is one of the well-known years-old legacy software by the company. Over the years, Microsoft has added functions to OneNote to rival it against the likes of Evernote and Google Keep.
There are two reasons for Microsoft OneNote’s striking popularity. First, it’s completely free to use. And second, the software is available everywhere. Be it iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, or Web, you can access the notes on all popular platforms.
The software is usually quick to follow OS guidelines and advancements. For example, OneNote iOS and Mac apps have already implemented dark theme support.
Recently, on consumer demand, the company brought back OneNote’s desktop app. Microsoft has vowed to support it for years to come.
We have already covered OneNote’s comparison to its competitors and in this post, we are going to talk about the top twelve OneNote tips and tricks to improve your productivity.
Whether you are a student, teacher, designer, or a casual note-taker, I’m sure you will find the list below handy. Let’s get started.
Download OneNote for MacDownload OneNote for Windows1. Enable Dark Mode
Apple started rolling out dark mode with the introduction of the macOS Sierra. With a recent update, Microsoft OneNote also joined the list of apps respecting the system-wide dark theme.
To enable it, you can go to System Preferences > General > Appearance and select dark from the option. The change will reflect in the OneNote app. If you are not a fan of it, then you can revert to the light theme from app settings. Tap on the OneNote > Preferences and turn off dark mode from the options.
For iOS 13, head to Settings > Display and Brightness and select dark mode. Overall, Microsoft did a solid job with dark mode implementation. It’s a pure black theme and not the dark grey one and saves battery on AMOLED displays.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
I always recommend memorizing keyboard shortcuts to fly through the functions of the software. Microsoft OneNote is no exception here. The software supports a bunch of keyboard shortcuts on Mac and Windows.
With the help of keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly highlight words, insert links, insert date and time, search through notes, and more. Read and master OneNote keyboard shortcuts from our previous post.
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Read More3. Share a Page as PDF and Invite Others
There are three ways to share notes in OneNote. You can send a note as pdf to others. You can also copy a page link and share it with friends. Tap on the three-dot menu and select copy link to a page.
One can also share an entire Notebook with others. Select the share menu from the upper right corner and give permission such as view only and editable from the options. Type the email and hit the send button.
4. Insert Tables
Using tables is a neat way to organize the relevant information. OneNote does support the table functionality by default.
Tap on the Insert > Table and select the number of rows and columns based on your needs. While adding the data, you can always use the ‘Enter’ key to keep adding rows and columns based on requirements.
5. Use Templates
Microsoft is bringing back the Windows desktop app for OneNote. And with that, you can start using the template function as it’s currently missing in the default Mac and Windows app.
Instead of starting a note with black space, you can use the relevant template to manage a to-do list, take meeting notes, or organize the meal details.
Tap on the Insert > Page Layout > Page Templates, and a sidebar will open the template categories to help you choose a perfect design for the new page. You can always download third-party templates from Web sources such as OneNote Gem.
6. Add Stickers
Did you know one can add stickers to the OneNote page to give it a personal touch? Microsoft has added a bunch of default sticker packs to use them. There is Cat in suits, Monkey, Office drama, and Teamsquatch stickers on the mac version.
Select Insert > Stickers and the tab will show the default ones from the right sidebar. You can also add emojis from the Edit > Emojis and Symbols menu.
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Read More7. Make Use of Drawing Capabilities
Microsoft has added a dedicated drawing section in the OneNote app. Tap on the Draw menu, and the section will let you choose from Pen, Marker, and Highlighter. You can also use Eraser function, change the Ink color, and play with the Ink thickness from the menu.
If you are using Surface Pro devices or any Windows laptops with Pen support, then you can use the Windows Ink function to write and draw directly on the page.
8. Change Paper Style
OneNote lets you change the page style from the settings menu. By default, it opens up as a blank white page. Visit View from the upper ribbon and change paper color and style from the given menu.
It looks good and resembles a physical notebook with different colors and rules/grid lines.
Onenote For Mac 2013
9. Password-protect Section
You can password-protect a OneNote section to lock it from unauthorized access. Right-click on a section from any notebook and select a password-protect option. Add a password and from now on, you will need that password to access notes on every platform.
Remember, if you forget the password, then there is no way to recover the section. I would advise you to invest in a password manager to memorize all such confidential details.
10. Use OneNote Clipper
Microsoft offers a capable OneNote Clipper extension on the major browsers. You can use it to directly bookmark a webpage to OneNote, clip a portion of a page, or save the entire article to OneNote.
Microsoft Onenote 2016 User Guide
Download OneNote Clipper from the Chrome Web Store11. Use Mobile Widgets and Shortcuts
Microsoft OneNote for iOS and Android offers widget functionality to view recent notes and quickly add new notes. On Android, you can long-tap the app icon and choose from the relevant options to add a new note.
Long-tap the displayed options and add them to the home screen to quickly add a note, voice-recording, list, and bullet list.
12. Change Default OneNote Fonts
By default, OneNote sticks to Microsoft's own Calibri fonts at 12 size. However, you can change that. Go to Preference > Edit and View > and change font type and size.
The changes will reflect on the new page only and it won't mess up the already added notes.
Take OneNote Experience to the Next Level
The list above is just the tip of the iceberg. The software also supports math equations, built-in reader, custom tags, and more. And that’s not all. The company recently announced its plans for OneNote, which is expected to come with tight integration with other Microsoft services such as Teams and To-Do.
Next Up: OneNote offers a capable pdf functionality out of the box. Read the post below to find more about OneNote pdf function in detail.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read NextTop 6 OneNote PDF Tips and Tricks to Use It like a ProAlso See#onenote #Microsoft
Did You Know
Microsoft holds over 59,000 US and international patents.
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