Copilot in OneNote: Transforming the future of note-taking

Taking notes is a key pillar of productivity—whether you're managing meetings, brainstorming ideas, or juggling multiple projects. But as information floods in from all directions, organizing and extracting value from scattered notes can feel overwhelming.

That’s where Copilot in OneNote comes in. This AI-powered assistant, part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, is revolutionizing the way we take, manage, and use notes. In this article, we’ll explore how Copilot in OneNote works, its core features, real-world use cases, and how it’s transforming the productivity game.

What is Copilot in OneNote?

Copilot in OneNote is an AI assistant embedded directly in your OneNote application. Powered by large language models (LLMs), it understands and works with your notes—summarizing, rewriting, generating lists, planning events, and more.

Because it’s deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, Copilot in OneNote also pulls contextual data from your Outlook calendar, emails, and Teams chats to give you smarter suggestions—all while complying with Microsoft’s strict data privacy standards.

Whether you’re a student, project manager, or executive, Copilot in OneNote brings structure and insight to your everyday note-taking.

Key features of Copilot in OneNote

Let’s break down what Copilot in OneNote can actually do. These features cover both organizing existing notes and generating new content—making it a versatile tool for professionals and creatives alike.

Understand and reorganize your notes

• Summarize dense content
  Select messy or lengthy notes and prompt Copilot: “Summarize this meeting.” You’ll instantly get a clean, digestible version in bullet points.
• Create actionable to-do lists
  Ask: “Turn these notes into a to-do list,” and Copilot will identify tasks and format them.
• Break down ideas
  Want pros and cons for a decision? Copilot can analyze your notes and deliver just that.
• Rewrite for clarity
  Reformat rough notes into well-structured summaries with a single command.

Generate content from scratch

• Overcome writer’s block
  Struggling to plan your week or start an idea? Just ask Copilot in OneNotefor creative suggestions.
• Draft project plans
  Use prompts like “Create a launch plan for my product” and receive timelines, key actions, and follow-ups.
• Design outlines for presentations
  Copilot can provide logical structures for decks, reports, or strategies—all within your notes.

Tips for using Copilot in OneNote 

Now that you know the core features of Copilot in OneNote, the next important step is knowing how to properly make use of it. It still remains a tool, even if it is powered by AI, and it depends on how we use it if we want proper results. Below are some tips when it comes to using Copilot in OneNote and how you can take full advantage of this AI-powered software. 

Summarizing notes with Copilot in OneNote 

Taking notes quickly during a meeting or lecture often results in cluttered and difficult-to-decipher pages. With Copilot, you can generate summaries for entire sections, specific pages, or even a selected block of text. 

Example Use Case: 

After a meeting, select the notes you’ve taken and prompt Copilot: “Summarize the meeting notes in bullet points.” Copilot will generate a clean, concise summary that you can copy and paste wherever needed. 

Creating to-do lists with Copilot in OneNote 

Long meetings or brainstorming sessions often produce a flood of ideas, making it easy to lose track of actionable tasks. Copilot simplifies this process by creating organized to-do lists. 

Example Use Case: 

Highlight your notes and enter a prompt like: “Draft a to-do list for follow-up tasks from the team meeting.” Copilot will extract key action items and format them into a clear, actionable list.

Drafting plans and new content with Copilot in OneNote 

Planning can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. Whether you’re organizing an event or tackling a project, Copilot can help you draft a comprehensive plan. 

Example Use Case: 

Enter a prompt such as: “Create a detailed plan for my upcoming product launch event.” Copilot will generate an outline with steps, timelines, and even suggestions for execution. 

Managing weekly notes with Copilot in OneNote 

For recurring tasks like weekly meetings, Copilot can provide a bird’s-eye view of your schedule and key action items in table format. 

Example Use Case: 

Use a prompt like: “Create a table summarizing my meetings from this week with columns for titles, summaries, and action items.” Copilot will produce a table that you can reference or share with colleagues. 

Using handwritten notes with Copilot 

 If you prefer handwriting your notes, Copilot can analyze them and perform the same tasks as with typed text. Simply select your handwritten content, and Copilot will summarize, rewrite, or extract to-do items as needed.

Benefits of Copilot in OneNote 

Based on the above features and tips, it is undeniable that Copilot in OneNote is changing the way that we plan and complete our daily tasks. Thanks to Microsoft 365 Copilot, we are able to double our productivity, while staying efficient.   

Some of the benefits that come with using Copilot in OneNote are: 

1. Saves Time 

Instead of spending hours organizing notes or drafting plans, Copilot automates these tasks, allowing you to focus on what matters most. 

2. Improves Organization 

From summarizing meeting notes to creating structured to-do lists, Copilot ensures your ideas and information are presented in an organized, actionable format. 

3. Boosts Creativity 

Stuck on a blank page? Copilot’s ability to generate ideas and plans helps you break through creative blocks. 

4. Enhances Accessibility 

With support for both typed and handwritten notes, Copilot is versatile enough to accommodate various note-taking styles. 

5. Seamless Integration 

As part of Microsoft 365, Copilot works seamlessly with other apps, leveraging data from your calendar, emails, and more to provide relevant insights. 

Limitations and responsible use of Copilot in OneNote

While Copilot in OneNote is powerful, it’s important to understand its limitations. It remains a developing tool that produces results based on human prompts and interaction. Some of the limitations associated with Copilot in OneNote are: 

• Potential Inaccuracies: Copilot’s responses are based on its training data and may not always align perfectly with your context. 

• Bias and Context Awareness: As with any AI tool, biases in training data can influence its suggestions. It may also lack full context if your input is incomplete. 

• Human Oversight Required: Always review and fact-check AI-generated content before using it. 

Based on the above-mentioned limitations, we need to ensure best practices when it comes to using Copilot in OneNote. To ensure responsible use: 

• Double-check outputs for accuracy. 

• Use judgment when acting on AI-generated suggestions. 

• Stay informed about Microsoft’s Responsible AI principles, which guide Copilot’s development. 

Getting started with Copilot in OneNote 

Want to get started with Copilot in OneNote? Just follow the simple steps below and get the full experience of the tool at your fingertips. Accessing Copilot in OneNote is simple: 

Step 1: Open OneNote and go to the Home tab. 

Step 2: Select the Copilot pane from the ribbon. 

Step 3: Enter your prompt in the chat box and press Send. 

Step 4: Review Copilot’s response and copy it to your notes or other apps as needed. 

For specific actions like summarizing, creating to-do lists, or drafting plans, you can also use right-click context menus for quick access. 

Gestisoft: Experts of Copilot in OneNote 

Copilot in OneNote is more than just a tool—it’s a productivity partner that redefines how we approach note-taking. Whether you’re summarizing notes, drafting plans, or brainstorming new ideas, Copilot helps you achieve more in less time. Its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and its versatility across formats makes it an indispensable tool for professionals, students, and creatives alike. 

Don’t let unorganized notes hold you back. Try Copilot in OneNote today and experience the future of note-taking. Let Gestisoft guide you on how to integrate this powerful tool into your workflow for maximum productivity. 

Further reading: 

Unlocking marketing potential with Copilot for marketing 

Copilot for Sales: The ultimate tool for sales success 

How to use Copilot in Outlook 

How to use Copilot in PowerPoint? Your Step-by-Step Guide