The difference shows in certain OneNote features and characteristics: OneNote notebooks collect, organize and share possibly unpublished materials – as compared to word processors and wikis, which usually target publishing in some way. Microsoft designed this user interface to resemble a tabbed ring binder, into which the user can directly make notes and gather material from other applications. OneNote saves information in pages organized into sections within notebooks.

OneNote saves data automatically as the user makes edits to their file. Unlike a word processor, OneNote features a virtually unbounded document window, in which users can click anywhere on the canvas to create a new text box at that location. The software allows users to create notes that can include: texts, pictures, tables, and drawings. OneNote was announced by Microsoft's Bill Gates on November 17, 2002.

Microsoft also provides a web-based version of OneNote as part of OneDrive and Office for the web. OneNote is also available as a free, stand-alone app via the official website and the app stores of: Windows 10, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS and Android. It gathers users' notes, drawings, screen clippings, and audio commentaries, and notes can also be shared with other OneNote users over the Internet or a network. OneNote is designed for free-form information gathering and multi-user collaboration. It is available as part of the Microsoft Office suite and since 2014 has been free on all platforms outside the suite. Microsoft OneNote is a note-taking software developed by Microsoft.

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