Creating a Numbered List

A numbered list is very similar to an outline. As mentioned previously, whenever you type a number, followed by a period and a space, at the beginning of a new line, OneNote assumes you want to create a numbered list. At the end of the line, when you press Enter, OneNote adds a new line with the next consecutive number in the series. You can cancel the list creation by clicking the AutoFormat Smart Tag and choosing Undo Auto Numbering.

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When you're done creating your list, either use the mouse to create a new note container or press Enter twice. The first Enter adds a new line to your list; the second clears that line and list settings.

In Microsoft Word, if you want AutoFormat to create a numbered list, you must start that list from the number 1. OneNote doesn't have that restriction. You can start your numbered list with any number, and OneNote's AutoFormat will automatically create the list.

OneNote also allows you to start your numbered lists with a variety of styles. For example, in addition to a number and a period, you can type a number inside parentheses: (1), or a number with a single parenthesis: 1). OneNote also recognizes a wealth of other numbering schemes including i, ii, iii, 1-, 2-, 3-, and a), b), c).

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You can create a bulleted list as well. Just type your first line and click the Bullets button on the toolbar. You can then press Enter to move to the next line and continue your list. You can easily turn your bulleted list into an outline by indenting any of the lines to create multiple levels.