Use this free Cornell Notes template for Microsoft Word (.docx) to take structured notes in the classic layout: cue column on the left, right-side notes, and a bottom summary box. Edit offline in Word with built-in styles for clean headings and print-ready pages. Explore our Full Cornell Notes Hub for more free resources.
Free Downloads
- Microsoft Word Cornell Notes Template — Download .DOCX
- Google Docs Version — Make a copy
- Cornell Notes PDFs: Letter (Blank), Letter (Ruled), A4 (Blank), A4 (Ruled) — Print-ready
Format: Microsoft Word (.docx). Versions: blank and lightly ruled. Sizes: US Letter and A4. Works on Word for Windows, Mac, and Word Online.
How to Use the Cornell Notes Template in Microsoft Word
- Download and open: Click Download .DOCX above and open in Word (Desktop or Online).
- Set the header: Fill Name, Class, Date, Topic at the top of the page.
- During class: Type concise points in the right notes area. One idea per line.
- Add cues: After class, write questions/terms in the left cue column mapped to your notes.
- Summarize: Write a 2–3 sentence summary in the bottom box in your own words.
- Use styles: Apply the built-in Heading and List styles for clean, consistent formatting.
- Organize: Save a copy per lecture or unit. Store by course folder.
- Export/print: File → Save As → PDF or File → Print for handouts.
Cornell Notes Tips for Students
- Pre-write cue questions from your syllabus or slide titles to focus attention.
- Turn cues into flashcards and a practice quiz for spaced review.
- Paste rough notes into lecture-to-notes prompts to clean and structure content before filing.
Cornell Notes Tips for Teachers
- Distribute the .docx through your LMS; students can open in Word or Word Online.
- Print class sets using the PDF versions (Letter/A4, ruled/blank) for handwriting.
- Model effective cues and summaries with exemplars at the start of each unit.
What’s in the Word Template
- Cue column for questions, key terms, and test-yourself prompts.
- Right notes area for concise points, diagrams, and worked examples.
- Summary box for a short synthesis at the bottom of the page.
- Built-in styles for headings and lists to keep formatting consistent.
- Print-friendly margins that export cleanly to PDF.
When to Use Cornell Notes
- Lectures: Terms in cues; examples and definitions in notes; key idea in summary.
- Readings & PDFs: Use headings for cues and capture supporting details in notes.
- Labs: Procedures and variables in cues; observations and calculations in notes.
- Exam review: Convert cues to a self-quiz or flashcards for spaced retrieval.
Recommended Print and Export Settings (Word)
- View: Use Print Layout for accurate margins.
- Scale: 100% (avoid “fit to page”).
- Margins: Keep defaults from the template for best alignment.
- Orientation: Portrait.
- Save as PDF: File → Save As → PDF before sharing or submitting.
More Cornell Notes Resources
- Cornell Notes Template for Google Docs
- Cornell Notes Template for Word
- Cornell Notes AI Prompts
- What is the Cornell Note-Taking System?
FAQs
Is this Word template free?
Yes. Download the .docx and use it for any class.
Does it work in Word Online?
Yes. Open in your browser and save to OneDrive; formatting remains intact.
Can I adjust the columns?
Yes. Edit the table column widths or margins if you prefer a wider cue column.
How do I get clean prints?
Use the Ruled PDF for handwriting or print from Word at 100% scale with the template margins.
Download .DOCX | Use in Google Docs | Download PDFs | Browse Cornell Notes Prompts
