Microsoft makes OneNote free for all, including for the Mac. Although there is a free web and Metro-style version of the program, the software giant is making the desktop version OneNote for Windows PC and Mac free.
For those unfamiliar, OneNote is perhaps the most popular note-taking piece of software you’ll ever use. You can annotate, record idea and thoughts, create to-do lists, plan trips, snippets, brainstorm new ideas, and much more.
Basically there is still a paid version of OneNote with support for business users and features such as SharePoint support, version history, Outlook integration, but the company is making a lite free version of the software:
- OneNote 2013 free for Windows PC: The lite version offers the core functionalities of OneNote designed for personal and school use. The free version of OneNote isn’t a trial, this also means no ads and no limit on how long you can use the application. Download the app from OneNote.com.
- OneNote for Mac: This is the first time that OneNote is released for Apple’s Mac computers. It offers the same benefits as OneNote 2013 for Windows PC, but you have to download the app from the Mac App Store. For more info check this intro to OneNote for Mac.
With the new releases, Microsoft is also making available some new tools that integrate with OneNote as well:
- Office Lens: You can check more details on this previous write-up, but basically this new Windows Phone app enables users to scan whiteboard, documents, and photos and make them searchable on OneNote. The app is also able to fix every capture for maximum readability.
- OneNote Clipper: This is an add-in for Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple’s Safari, that let you save web pages with a single click to OneNote. More info and download here!
- Send email to OneNote: Visit OneNote.com and signup for the email feature. Once you’re all signed up, you’ll be able to send an email to [email protected] to save content to OneNote Quick Notes.
- OneNote Apps: Third-party apps and services can also provide OneNote functionality. Currently, you’ll find apps and solutions from Feedly, Doxie Go, Epson, Brother, Genius Scan, IFTTT, JotNot, Livescribe, Mod Notebook, Weave, and News360.
Now OneNote is everywhere, and free for the most part, as you can access the software via the web, from Office 365, Windows Phone, Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1 in Metro-style and desktop version, Android phones and tablets, iPad, iPhone, and even on Mac.
Source Microsoft
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].