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Cornell notes template

Get organized with structured note-taking, systematic organization, and active recall.

Cornell notes are a systematic method for organizing and reviewing information that dramatically improves comprehension and retention. Unlike traditional linear note-taking, this approach creates a purposeful structure involving the note-taker in the learning process. 

The primary purpose of Cornell notes is to improve comprehension and retention through a structured, multi-step cognitive process. By dividing the page into specific sections, Cornell notes transform passive listening or reading into an interactive learning experience that enhances understanding and memory.

A Cornell notes template provides a convenient, ready-to-use structure that streamlines the note-taking process, making staying organized and focused while learning easier.

Create Cornell notes in Confluence for free


What are Cornell notes?

The Cornell notes method is a powerful, time-tested approach to capturing and processing information effectively. Developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University, this method goes beyond traditional note-taking by creating a dynamic note system that encourages active engagement with the materials in question. Whether a student, working professional, or lifelong learner, the Cornell notes template can provide a structured framework that transforms how you absorb, understand, and retain information.


What is a Cornell notes template?

A Cornell notes template is a pre-designed layout that divides a page into three distinct sections: 

  • Section 1: A narrow column on the left side for cues or questions
  • Section 2: A broader column on the right side for detailed notes
  • Section 3: A summary section at the bottom. 

This versatile format works exceptionally well for lectures, readings, meetings, project planning, and personal study. The template's design supports multiple learning and documentation styles, making it a universal tool for information and learning management.


How to structure Cornell notes

Creating Cornell notes is much simpler than it may seem. Here’s a quick but detailed overview of how to structure your layout for Cornell notes:

  • Divide the page vertically to create two columns with different widths. The left column should be narrower (about 2.5 inches or 1/4 of the page width), while the right column will be wider and serve as the primary note-taking area.
  • Draw a horizontal line at the bottom of the page. This section will be reserved for your summary information and is typically about 2-3 inches tall. This dedicated space ensures you'll reflect on and synthesize the key points after taking notes.
  • Add headers and labels. At the top of the page, write the date, topic, and any relevant course or meeting information. This helps with organization and locating important details for future reference.

Confluence Pages is the perfect tool for creating customized Cornell notes. With features supporting real-time editing, shared commenting, and third-party app integration, you can build a dynamic space to take notes with your team.


Benefits of using a Cornell notes template

Organizes note-taking

The template promotes clarity by creating distinct spaces for main ideas, supporting details, and conceptual connections. Separating the information into specific sections prevents information overload and helps maintain a clear, logical structure.

Encourages active learning

Writing cues and summaries is not just a mechanical process—it's an active engagement with the material. By formulating questions and synthesizing key points, learners deepen their understanding and create stronger neural connections, which is crucial for project collaboration.

Simplifies reviews

The layout's design makes reviewing your material incredibly efficient. The left-hand cue column allows for quick self-quizzing, while the summary section provides an instant overview of the most crucial information.

Improves retention

Summarizing information and regularly reviewing notes through the cue column helps support long-term memory formation. This method transforms note-taking from a passive recording to active learning, promoting a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the information that will be remembered and utilized in real-world situations. This can be useful in project management, especially when multiple projects are underway.

Promotes versatility

Cornell notes aren’t limited to academic settings. They are equally effective in professional capacities, such as project planning, taking meeting notes, active brainstorming sessions, research, and personal development tracking. Essentially, Cornell notes can be utilized for anything that requires learning and deeper understanding.

Try the weekly meeting minutes notes template in Confluence to streamline documentation and keep your team aligned on goals and progress.


How to create Cornell notes

Set up your page

Divide your page into three sections: a narrow cue column on the left, a wider note-taking area on the right, and a summary section at the bottom.

Write the topic at the top

Title your notes clearly to stay organized and immediately identify the subject matter. Include the date, context, and any other relevant identifying information.

Take notes in the right-hand column

Record main points, details, and examples during lectures, readings, meetings, or brainstorming sessions. Focus on capturing key information concisely, using abbreviations and symbols to speed up note-taking.

Create cues in the left-hand column

After completing your notes, write questions, keywords, phrases, or concepts related to the information in the right-hand column. These cues will help with later review and understanding.

Write a summary at the bottom

Synthesize the key takeaways from your notes into a few sentences. This step forces you to process and distill essential information, reinforcing learning and comprehension.

Review and revise

Return to your notes to clarify points, add details, and ensure accuracy. Use the cue column to test your understanding and fill in any gaps. This step will also help test your initial comprehension.

Practice regularly

Consistently use the cue column to quiz yourself, turning note reviews into an active recall exercise that strengthens your understanding over time.


Best practices for taking Cornell notes

To ensure you’re getting the most out of your Cornell notes, follow these best practices:

  • Review notes soon after creation: Review and refine your notes within 24 hours of taking them. This helps transfer information from short-term to long-term memory and allows you to clarify any unclear points while the context is still fresh.
  • Maintain consistent formatting: Keep your Cornell notes layout uniform across different subjects and contexts. Consistency makes review and reference easier and turns the method into a muscle memory skill.
  • Use abbreviations strategically: Develop a personal system of abbreviations and symbols to increase note-taking speed without sacrificing comprehension. Ensure these are consistent and understood by you.
  • Engage actively during note-taking: Listen or read critically, identifying main ideas and supporting details. The goal is not to transcribe everything but to capture the essence of the information.

What makes a good Cornell notes template?

​​A clear, intuitive structure

A good Cornell notes template provides an immediate visual organization system that guides learners through note-taking. The traditional layout divides the page into purposeful sections, making capturing and reviewing information natural and straightforward.

Flexible layout that adapts to different content types

The template should be versatile enough to accommodate diverse learning materials across various subjects and disciplines. Whether taking notes in a science class, humanities lecture, or professional meeting, the layout should provide enough adaptability to represent different information types effectively. This is essential for fostering a collaborative culture where sharing notes and information is necessary for a project’s success.

Sufficient space for detailed note-taking

The primary note-taking column must offer ample room for comprehensive information capture without feeling cramped or restrictive. This space allows learners to record key concepts, meeting notes, significant details, and personal insights with the freedom to explore and connect ideas meaningfully.

Dedicated areas for cues and summaries

The Cornell method's unique strength lies in its intentional separation of content areas, particularly the cue column and summary section. These specialized zones encourage active learning by prompting students and professionals to generate questions, identify key terms, and synthesize main ideas after note-taking.

Easy-to-read formatting

Readability is crucial in creating an effective Cornell notes template, focusing on visual clarity and user-friendly design. The formatting should reduce cognitive load, making it easier for learners to focus on content by using clean fonts, appropriate spacing, and a visually organized layout. Simple formatting also makes it easier to share notes, contributing to project collaboration best practices that benefit the whole team.


Create effective Cornell notes with Confluence

Confluence provides an ideal digital environment for creating and managing Cornell notes. Its flexible page creation tools allow teams to develop consistent, collaborative note-taking practices, which help improve project collaboration

With the ability to create templates, share pages, and collaborate in real-time, Confluence transforms traditional note-taking into a dynamic, team-oriented knowledge management system. Plus, learning to create a new Confluence page is incredibly simple.

By leveraging Confluence's collaborative features to take Cornell notes, teams can create a centralized knowledge repository. This ensures that valuable insights and information are captured, organized, and easily accessible. Confluence’s versatility makes it perfect for academic, professional, and personal note-taking needs. 

Create Cornell notes in Confluence for free