# 22 Features COMPARED - Microsoft Loop vs. OneNote | [2024] ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ebTnFfAbG3U/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=0s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] was released to the public in 2023, leading some people to wonder if it will replace OneNote, a note-taking app that has been around since 2003 [(00:00:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=10s). - OneNote is divided into notebooks, sections, and pages, while [[Microsoft]] Loop is broken down into workspaces and pages, missing the section level [(00:01:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=70s). - Both OneNote and Microsoft Loop have predefined templates, such as simple lecture notes and detailed lecture notes for OneNote, and project brief, team decision, and project planning for Loop [(00:01:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=88s). - The two apps have different structures and purposes, with OneNote being a note-taking app and Microsoft Loop being a collaborative app [(00:01:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=72s). - The video aims to compare 22 features of Microsoft Loop and OneNote to help users determine which app is best for their needs [(00:00:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=45s). - The comparison will look at the pros and cons of both apps, highlighting their similarities and differences [(00:00:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=39s). ## OneNote Pros [(00:01:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=107s) - OneNote has eight distinct features that set it apart, with the first being its sticky design [(00:01:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=116s) ## Sticky Design [(00:01:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=117s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] and OneNote are being compared in terms of their 'Sticky Design' feature, which includes the ability to move text to anywhere on the page [(00:01:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=119s). - Images can also be moved to anywhere on the page, similar to text [(00:02:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=121s). - Another feature of 'Sticky Design' is the ability to insert a file, such as a printout of an [[Microsoft Excel | Excel]] document [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=126s). ## Insert / Embed Documents [(00:02:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=127s) - [[Microsoft OneNote]] allows users to embed files, such as an Excel file, directly into a page [(00:02:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=129s). - A new page can be added, and under the insert tab, users can select 'file printout' to insert a printout of a document, such as a PDF [(00:02:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=135s). - Inserting a file printout allows users to add a PDF document to their notebook, providing a way to include external content [(00:02:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=141s). ## Extract Text [(00:02:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=150s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] and OneNote have the ability to extract text from PDF printouts or images, allowing users to copy text from a single page or all pages at once [(00:02:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=150s). - To extract text, users can right-click on the page and select options from the top menu, including copying text from the page or all pages [(00:02:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=154s). - Once the text is copied, users can paste it into their desired location using Ctrl+V, allowing them to edit the extracted text as needed [(00:02:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=168s). ## Draw Tab [(00:03:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=180s) - The Draw Tab is a feature that allows users to take notes with a stylus on a tablet or mark up PDFs, making it a great tool for note-taking and document annotation [(00:03:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=180s). - The text within the Draw Tab is searchable from the search bar located at the top right, allowing users to easily find specific information [(00:03:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=198s). - The Draw Tab also features an "Ink to Text" function, which enables users to select handwritten text and convert it into typed text [(00:03:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=207s). ## Tags [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=216s) - Tags can be used as a tool to help organize notes, allowing users to select a specific place to add a tag [(00:03:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=216s). - To add a tag, users can go to the Home tab and select the 'Tags' option from the drop-down menu, which offers various options [(00:03:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=221s). - One of the available options is to mark text as important, which can be done by selecting the corresponding tag from the drop-down menu [(00:03:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=229s). ## Outlook ToDo [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=235s) - [[Microsoft Outlook | Outlook]] task allows users to select text and create tasks directly within their notebook [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=235s). - Under the text tags area, users can find the option to create Outlook tasks [(00:03:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=238s). - The Outlook task feature enables users to create tasks for specific days, such as today or tomorrow, and syncs with Planner and To-Do [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=240s). ## Recording Features [(00:04:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=253s) - [[Microsoft OneNote]] has recording features that can be found under the 'Insert' tab, allowing users to record video or audio [(00:04:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=254s). - The recording feature is useful for recording meetings [(00:04:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=263s). - Recorded meetings can be transcribed into text within OneNote [(00:04:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=266s). ## Export Notebook [(00:04:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=272s) - Export features in [[Microsoft Loop]] can be accessed by going to 'File' and then 'Export', providing options to export a page, section, or the entire notebook [(00:04:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=272s). - The export options include various formats, such as a Word file or a PDF [(00:04:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=286s). - One of the notable export features is the ability to export the notebook as a separate OneNote file [(00:04:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=291s). ## OneNote Cons [(00:05:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=300s) - OneNote has several cons, aside from its overall feel being a little bit dated [(00:05:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=300s). - Three key issues are highlighted, with the first one being related to ease of use [(00:05:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=307s). ## Ease of Sharing & Collaboration [(00:05:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=310s) - [[Microsoft OneNote]] allows users to share files by generating a link, which can be sent to others via email, enabling them to access and edit the file by clicking on the link [(00:05:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=313s). - The recipient can open the OneNote file and make edits directly [(00:05:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=320s). - This sharing process in OneNote is considered a con when compared to [[Microsoft Loop]] [(00:05:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=327s). ## Comments [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=332s) - Comments can be added to a OneNote page, but this requires opening the page within [[Microsoft Teams]] and navigating to the conversations section [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=332s). - The commenting area in OneNote is not associated with a specific area of the note, which can lead to over-explaining and a lack of fluidity in collaboration [(00:05:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=352s). - The commenting process in OneNote can be cumbersome and may cause delays in collaboration [(00:06:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=364s). ## Sync Delays [(00:06:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=368s) - Sync delays have been experienced in OneNote, particularly when using the same notebook across different devices or with multiple team members, resulting in multiple versions of the same page and causing issues [(00:06:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=368s). - A warning message may appear at the top of the notebook indicating that it is not synced, which can be problematic [(00:06:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=373s). - It is unclear if [[Microsoft]] has resolved the sync delay issue in OneNote, but it is still worth noting as a potential problem [(00:06:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=389s). ## Loop Pros [(00:06:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=401s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] has a modern feel and a minimalistic design, which is considered a key feature and a pro [(00:06:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=411s) ## Minimalistic & Modern Feel [(00:06:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=414s) - [[Microsoft]] Loop does not display a ribbon by default, but a formatting menu appears when text is selected on a page [(00:06:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=414s). - Right-clicking on the page provides additional options for users [(00:07:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=424s). - Pressing the forward slash key anywhere on the page displays a list of items that can be added to help organize notes [(00:07:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=429s). - Available items to add to the page include tables, lists, code, headers, task lists, voting tables, and project trackers [(00:07:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=431s). - The list of available items to add to the page is extensive and continues beyond what is initially visible [(00:07:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=448s). - Scrolling down the page reveals examples of different tables and items that can be easily added to organize notes [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=451s). ## Dynamic Tables [(00:07:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=465s) - Dynamic tables in [[Microsoft Loop]] allow users to hover over headers and select options for sorting and filtering contents, including the ability to use a filter at the top to narrow down content [(00:07:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=465s). - The tables provide various options for sorting contents when the carrot is selected from the headers [(00:07:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=471s). - Users can switch from a table view to a board view to visualize data differently and easily drag and drop contents into different categories [(00:08:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=483s). ## Loop Components within Loop [(00:08:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=499s) - [[Microsoft]] Loop has a feature called Loop components, which is possibly the best feature of the application [(00:08:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=499s). - To create a Loop component, users can select the contents they want to collaborate on, click the grid icon, and choose to create a Loop component [(00:08:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=513s). - Once created, the Loop component can be copied and shared in different apps, such as email, allowing for real-time collaboration and updates [(00:08:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=521s). - Loop components enable users to share content and update in real-time while collaborating with their team, making it a powerful tool for teamwork [(00:09:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=550s). - Users can add Loop components in other apps, allowing for seamless integration and collaboration across different platforms [(00:09:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=562s). ## Loop Components within Other Apps [(00:09:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=564s) - Loop components can be added from the dropdown menu in OneNote [(00:09:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=564s). - A bulletin list can be created and a Loop component can be generated from it [(00:09:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=567s). - Loop components can be created and added directly within emails in [[Microsoft Outlook | Outlook]] [(00:09:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=574s). - Loop components can also be added within [[Microsoft Teams]], such as in a Teams chat [(00:09:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=579s). ## Comments [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=582s) - Comments can be added to a specific cell in [[Microsoft Loop]] by right-clicking on the cell and selecting "new comment" from the dropdown menu [(00:09:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=582s). - When creating a comment, users can tag other individuals by typing the at symbol (@) followed by the person's name, such as "Mike", to notify them of the comment [(00:09:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=588s). - Tagged individuals will receive a notification and be able to view the comment, streamlining collaboration within the Loop page [(00:09:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=593s). ## Recaps [(00:10:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=603s) - [[Microsoft]] Loop has a feature called Recaps that allows users to update their team on changes made to a document, keeping all updates in one area for easy access and team synchronization [(00:10:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=603s). - The Recaps feature can be accessed by clicking on the ellipses and selecting 'Recap' from the dropdown menu [(00:10:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=610s). - Users can manually update their team through the Recaps feature, keeping everyone informed about document changes [(00:10:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=613s). - For users with a co-pilot license, the co-pilot can automatically generate recaps, streamlining the process [(00:10:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=625s). ## Collaborative Meeting Notes [(00:10:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=633s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] meeting notes can be added to the bottom of a meeting invite in Teams for meetings [(00:10:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=636s). - The added meeting notes are essentially collaborative meeting notes that can be used for note-taking during meetings [(00:10:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=633s). - An agenda can be added to the meeting notes, which are [[Microsoft]] Loop meeting notes [(00:10:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=638s). - Tasks can be added to the bottom of the meeting notes, creating a task list [(00:10:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=642s). - The task list created in the meeting notes syncs with either Planner or To-Do [(00:10:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=647s). ## Integrations [(00:10:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=652s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] allows for task integration with Planner and To-Do, enabling task synchronization across these platforms [(00:10:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=652s). - Tasks in [[Microsoft]] Loop can be harmonized with Planner and To-Do, ensuring consistency across the different applications [(00:11:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=665s). - Users can bring in plans from external tools like Gyra or [[Trello]] by typing forward slash and selecting the desired option [(00:11:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=669s). - Microsoft Loop also supports integration with Planner, allowing users to insert a Planner plan into a Loop page [(00:11:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=683s). ## Loop Cons [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=692s) - [[Microsoft Loop]] has several limitations, despite having many cool features [(00:11:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=692s). - The app has undergone improvements since its release, which may lead to future enhancements [(00:11:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=697s). - There are three key cons in [[Microsoft]] Loop, with the first one being limitations in Export [(00:11:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=711s). ## Limited Export Options [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=714s) - Microsoft Loop has limited export options, with only two choices available: print or PDF export, which can be accessed by clicking on the ellipses [(00:11:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=714s). - This limited export option is restrictive compared to the numerous options available in OneNote [(00:12:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=725s). - Additionally, [[Microsoft Loop]] is a standalone application [(00:12:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=728s). ## Standalone from Microsoft 365 Groups [(00:12:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=730s) - When creating a new team in [[Microsoft Teams]], a notebook is automatically created and inherits the permissions from that [[Microsoft]] team [(00:12:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=742s). - The same automatic notebook creation and permission inheritance occurs when creating a [[SharePoint]] site [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=751s). - If a team uses SharePoint or Microsoft Teams, using Microsoft Loop requires designating separate permissions for each workspace within Microsoft Loop [(00:12:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=760s). - [[Microsoft Loop]] has a con in that there will be changes in access, although the specifics of these changes are not detailed [(00:12:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=768s). ## Licensing Limitations [(00:12:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=769s) - Starting December 30th, 2024, [[Microsoft]] Loop will have licensing limitations, requiring a business standard license to create workspaces and add members, although this date has been previously pushed back by Microsoft [(00:12:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=772s). - Team members with a business basic license will still be able to access workspaces and Loop pages, but they won't be able to add other members or create new workspaces on their own [(00:13:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=790s). - Microsoft Loop and [[Microsoft OneNote]] are two different apps with different purposes, with Microsoft Loop designed for collaboration and Microsoft OneNote being a notetaking app [(00:13:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTnFfAbG3U&t=808s).