If you are a Microsoft OneNote user, then you know how helpful the tool can be for taking notes, organizing your calendar, and capturing ideas. You may have seen it used with touchscreen devices to create sketches and handwritten notes. But can you use a Wacom tablet with OneNote?

Pairing a Wacom tablet with Microsoft OneNote is a great way to enhance the functionality of the application. With the pen, users can create hand drawn sketches, diagrams, and formulas for better notetaking.

Creating customized and detailed notes is the most appealing aspect of OneNote for many. Below, you will find out exactly how much you can do with OneNote on a Wacom tablet, and why you should use the two together.

Can a Wacom Tablet Be Used With OneNote?

With all the hustle and bustle of living in a digital age, many of us are often looking for a way to keep our thoughts and tasks organized. The problem here is that every mind works differently, so finding a system that works for you can often be a challenge.

OneNote allows users to not only jot things down, but customize and manage their notes across different devices, including a Wacom tablet. In fact, Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 is extremely pen-centered, and has been designed for easy use on devices like the Wacom tablet.

Because OneNote is highly customizable, it works with a variety of notetaking and task management styles. On top of that, the handwritten element of using a Wacom tablet makes this digital application feel more tangible.

But it doesn’t just stop there. Whether you are using OneNote for work, school, or in the home, paring the application with a Wacom tablet can unleash a world of possibilities.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Wacom Tablet with OneNote?

If you have a Wacom tablet and you aren’t using it for notetaking, you might be missing out.

Taking notes by hand has the ability to improve productivity and increase comprehension. In fact, countless research shows that handwriting notes while someone is speaking, as opposed to typing on a laptop or tablet,  increases recall and recognition. This was not only found among students learning multiple subjects, but also with journalists, lawyers, and various other professionals.

But carrying around all the tools and notebooks you may need for accurate notetaking isn’t always feasible. However, with OneNote and a Wacom tablet, you can have access to all your notes, documents, and planners, as well as an array of tools for creating detailed notes, illustrations, diagrams, and more.

Tips for Notetaking with a Wacom Tablet

Taking good meeting and lecture notes is an important skill to have regardless of your profession. While there are a variety of notetaking methods to choose from, the important thing is that you find one that works best for you.

Wacom and OneNote are as versatile as a pen a paper, making tying out different methods a breeze. Here are some of the of the most popular methods and notetaking elements you could include in your notes:

• Outlining: This is a quick notetaking method that works for many. Simply list out key points that are discussed, and take notes in a bullet form under each point.
• Mind mapping:  Instead of writing out detailed notes, try creating a mind map on your Wacom tablet. This is a more visual method of notetaking that is ideal for outlining and structuring thoughts and ideas.
• Quadrant method: Draw a cross across your paper to create four equal quadrants. Label each quadrant accordingly and jot down important points in each section.
• Shorthand: Learning classic shorthand or creating your own variation is a great way to jot down notes during a fast-paced meeting or lecture. You will be able to record as much information as possible, without missing out on what is being discussed.
• Diagrams: Using the pen to draw out various diagrams can add a visual element to your notes. This can provide clarity to written text and data.
• Sketches and formulas: Mathematical equations are easier to understand with explanatory sketches and illustrated formulas. While this may be hard to do on a laptop, this can easily be achieved on a Wacom tablet.
• Graphs: This is another great visual tool that can easily be achieved using a Wacom tablet with OneNote.
• Annotation: Annotating a PDF in OneNote is a great way to make sure that you understand what the text says after you’ve read it. Even illustrated annotations have been shown to increase comprehension. With Wacom, you can easily write in the margins and underline passages of importance.
• Meeting Minutes: This is a formal notetaking format this is typically used in meetings to record information such as the time and date, participants, topics discussed, key points, and action items.

This list is just a starting point. If none of these elements appeal to you, then don’t put them to use. The good thing about OneNote is that you can organize it in a way that meets your needs.

Journaling with OneNote on a Wacom Tablet

OneNote isn’t only suitable for business and learning. Many users have switched to using OneNote as a digital journal and planner.

Not only do you always have access to your journal, but tools such as color pens and digital stickers make getting creative a breeze. You can even insert photos from your digital library and treat your journal as a scrapbook.

Doodles and handwriting are also made easier when paired with a Wacom tablet.

Final Thoughts

You should now have a clearer understanding of how to use a Wacom tablet with OneNote. Not only can they be used together, but they really are the perfect pair.

The ability to take notes and organize your ideas is a powerful skill. With tools like OneNote and Wacom, notetaking, planning, and journaling can easily be customized to match each user’s needs. The more you play around with the application, the more you will discover all that you can do.