Overview

This guide explains how to create a new notebook in Microsoft OneNote and use the Outlook add-in to send emails directly to that notebook for easy organization and reference.

By following this procedure, users can store important emails, reference messages, or document communications within OneNote for later review.

Prerequisites

Before you begin:

• Microsoft OneNote is installed on your computer.

• Microsoft Outlook (desktop version) is installed and connected to your Microsoft 365 account.

• You have permission to create and store notebooks on your device or OneDrive.

Part 1: Create a New Notebook in OneNote

Step 1: Open OneNote

1. Click the Start menu and type OneNote.

2. Select OneNote (App) and click Open.
   
   

Step 2: Access the Notebook Menu

When OneNote opens, you may see a message stating “You don’t have any open notebooks.”
Click File in the upper-left corner.

Step 3: Create a New Notebook

1. Select New from the left-hand menu.

2. Choose This PC as the storage location.

3. Enter a name for the notebook, such as Email Notes.
   

4. Click Create Notebook.
   
   
   
   

Step 4: Confirm Notebook Creation

A pop-up will confirm that the notebook has been created.
Click Not now unless you want to share it with others.

Step 5: Verify the Notebook

You’ll be taken to a blank page in your new notebook.
To confirm it’s active, click File → Info.

Part 2: Send an Email to OneNote from Outlook

Step 1: Open Outlook

Launch Outlook and navigate to your mailbox.

Step 2: Locate the Sent Email

1. Open your mailbox folder pane by clicking the arrow under the "File" tab.
   
   

2. Select Sent Items.
   
   

Step 3: Select the Email

Double-click the email you’d like to save to OneNote, and it should open it in a pop out window.

Step 4: Use the OneNote Add-In

1. With the email open, look at the Message ribbon at the top.
   

2. Click on the OneNote icon (purple OneNote icon).
   
   

Step 5: Choose the OneNote Location

The “Select Location in OneNote” window will appear.

1. Expand All Notebooks if necessary.

2. Select your Email Notes notebook.
   
   

Step 6: Pick a Section and Confirm

1. Choose or create a section (e.g., New Section 1).

2. Click OK to send the email to OneNote.
   
   

Step 7: View the Email in OneNote

Open OneNote and navigate to the section you selected.
Your email will appear as a new page, showing the subject, sender, recipient, date, and message content.

Notes and Tips

• The OneNote add-in works only with the Outlook desktop app, not Outlook web.

• You can check OneNote Options → Send to OneNote to change the default notebook or section.

• If the OneNote button doesn’t appear, enable it under File → Options → Add-ins → COM Add-ins → Go → Check “OneNote Notes about Outlook Items.”

• To make organization easier, create dedicated sections like Follow-Ups, Client Emails, or Voicemail Logs inside your notebook.

Summary

You’ve now created a dedicated Email Notes notebook in OneNote and configured Outlook to send messages directly into it.
This workflow helps you centralize communications, maintain records, and easily track follow-ups in your personal knowledge system.