Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Copilot Notebooks Arrive for Microsoft 365: Save Smarter Prompts, Get Better Results

Two new words that change how you use AI: persistent prompts. Copilot Notebooks let you craft, refine, and reuse complex instructions across your Microsoft 365 life.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 1, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could save that perfect prompt you used to generate a great report, syllabus, or family travel plan and come back to improve it later? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot Notebooks in Microsoft 365.

Copilot Notebooks make that a reality for Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium subscribers. 

It’s a focused workspace for longer, iterative prompts that you can test, tune, and reuse without starting from scratch.

Feature Explanation

Copilot Notebooks is a dedicated space inside Copilot where you write structured, multi-step prompts and keep them for reuse. 

Instead of one-off chats, a Notebook organizes your instructions in a clean, persistent document so you can iterate, compare outputs, and build living “recipes” for reports, lesson plans, and workflows. 

You type your prompt, run it, assess the result, then refine the prompt or add clarifying steps. 

That tight loop improves quality and consistency for recurring tasks. 

It matters because reliable outcomes in AI hinge on repeatable instructions.

Notebooks turn good prompts into dependable systems for your work and personal life.

What You’ll Gain

• Consistency: Save prompts that deliver the outcomes you expect, every time.
• Speed: Reuse proven instructions instead of rewriting long prompts from memory.
• Quality control: Iterate and compare results to dial in tone, structure, and formatting.
• Shareability: Create standardized workflows your team, class, or family can follow.

Step-by-step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft Web/Desktop

1. Sign in at m365.cloud.microsoft.
2. Look for "Notebook" or a journal-style icon in the sidebar. 
3. Click "Create Copilot Notebook," name it for the task (e.g., Quarterly Report Prompt).
4. Add references by selecting files using "Files" or dragging them into your Notebook.
5. Click "Create".
6. Write your prompt: Start with context, goals, inputs, output format, and success criteria.
7. Press  Enter to run the prompt. 
8. Save the result for reference. 
9. Add clarifications, constraints, or examples. Re-run and compare results.
10. Keep the Notebook for the next sprint, class, or project.

fig. 1 - Make AI Repeatable

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Repeatability: Build standard prompts for reports, lessons, and templates that maintain brand voice and formatting.
• Clarity: Structured space encourages better instructions that produce more reliable outputs.
• Collaboration-friendly: Shared workflows mean fewer mixed results across a team.

Cons

• Learning curve: Users must invest time to write thoughtful prompts; quick chat habits won’t cut it.
• Version drift: Without naming conventions, multiple similar Notebooks can cause confusion in teams.
• Scope limits: If you expect Notebook to “do it all,” you’ll still need human review for nuance and compliance.

Feature Access

Copilot Notebooks is now available to Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, and Premium accounts and is currently rolling out across regions and clients. 

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification 

Value 9

Turns ad-hoc AI use into repeatable workflows that save time and improve quality.

Usability 8

Simple concept, but requires prompt discipline and a bit of learning to maximize benefits.

Wow Factor 8

Persistent, iterative prompts feel like an “upgrade” to everyday AI work.

Total: 25/30 🌟 Excellent 

 A practical leap from chat to systems; comparable to advanced “prompt templates” in other tools, but more integrated for Microsoft 365 users.

Key Takeaways

Copilot Notebooks help you save, refine, and reuse complex prompts so outcomes stay consistent.

It’s ideal for recurring business reports, lesson plans, and personal projects where format and tone matter.

If it hasn’t appeared in your account, it’s likely currently rolling out—check updates and try again soon.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Copilot Notebooks
• Platform(s): Microsoft 365 web, desktop
• Quick Benefit: Save and iterate on prompts for repeatable, high-quality outputs
• Access Type (Free, Subscription, Beta): Subscription; currently rolling out for eligible Microsoft 365 accounts

Try It Yourself

Open Copilot, create a Notebook titled “Weekly Status Summary,” write your context and desired sections, run it, refine once, and save.

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READ MORE

• Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?
• Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs
  
• Meet Mico: Microsoft’s Visual Sidekick That’s Changing How You Use AI
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Microsoft 365 Copilot vs Microsoft Copilot: What’s the Difference?

Two Copilots, one name, and a lot of confusion. Here’s how to tell them apart and why it matters for your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 17, 2025

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If you’ve ever asked, “Wait, which Copilot am I using?” you’re not alone. 

Microsoft has launched multiple AI-powered assistants under the “Copilot” brand, and while they share a name, they serve very different roles. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft 365 Copilot is inside Microsoft 365 apps.

Whether you're a business user, educator, or productivity enthusiast, understanding the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot can save you time and headaches.

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files right from your desktop using a simple prompt.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 10, 2025

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Need to draft a document but don’t want to open Word or Excel? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot for Windows to Export Office Docs.

With the latest update to Copilot on Windows, you can now generate full Office files using plain language, all without launching a single app.

This new feature is built for speed and simplicity.

How to Instantly Edit Data Label Text in Excel for the Web

How to Instantly Edit Data Label Text in Excel for the Web

Now you can edit chart data labels directly in Excel for the web with no desktop detour required. This crucial update makes your visual storytelling faster, cleaner, and more intuitive.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 3, 2025

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How often have you found yourself squinting at an Excel chart, trying to extract relevant details from a jumble of garishly colored bars or columns? 

You’re not alone. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Edit Label Text in Excel for the Web.

Until recently, editing data labels in Excel for the web meant switching platforms or settling for generic values. 

But now, Microsoft has quietly rolled out a deceptively powerful update that lets you edit data label text directly in the browser. 

No downloads or workarounds. 

Just clean, contextual labeling, right where you need it.

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Tired of chasing red underlines? Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets you fix all spelling and grammar issues in Word for the web instantly, saving time and sanity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

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Is Your Document Still Stuck in Red Squiggle Hell?

You’ve written a report, proposal, or lesson plan. 

It’s solid. 

But now comes the slog; clicking through every spelling and grammar suggestion one by one. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Fix Spelling and Grammar feature in Word for the Web.

Microsoft’s Red Gets a Makeover. Here’s Why It Matters for Accessibility

Microsoft’s Red Gets a Makeover. Here’s Why It Matters for Accessibility

Microsoft 365 quietly updated its standard red font color to improve readability and meet accessibility standards. This small change makes a big difference, and you can apply it manually too.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 29, 2025

Ever struggled to read red text on a white slide? 

You’re not the only one. 

For years, Microsoft’s default red, used to emphasize, alert, and annotate, has been visually loud but not always legible. 

Especially for folks with low vision or color sensitivity, that bright red could be more of a barrier than a beacon. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft Has Adjusted the Default Red in Microsoft 365 Apps.

It’s a subtle shift, but it speaks to a broader push for inclusive design.

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word delivers instant, AI-generated summaries, so you can skip the scroll and get straight to what matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 15, 2025

What if your Word docs could summarize themselves?

You open a 40-page report. Your eyes glaze over. 

You scroll, skim, search—still no clue where the key takeaways are. Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word is not just a summary tool.

It's a contextual, interactive overview that lives at the top of your document and evolves with your needs.

This isn’t a gimmick. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we consume and collaborate on written content.

Clean Up Your Notes: OneNote’s Long-Overdue Plain-Text Paste Shortcut

Clean Up Your Notes: OneNote’s Long-Overdue Plain-Text Paste Shortcut

Tired of mismatched fonts and colors when pasting into OneNote? Discover how a new shortcut and a smoother experience finally makes note-taking neater and faster.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor, 

September 8, 2025

Have you ever pasted something into OneNote and winced at mismatched fonts or unexpected background colors? 

That tiny formatting glitch isn’t just distracting, it slows you down. 

Now imagine a quick fix: one keystroke that drops in your text clean and uniform. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New OneNote Keyboard Shortcut.

What the Feature Is and Why It Matters

OneNote now finally respects your formatting preferences: you paste text and it conforms to the page, not the original styling. That means no rogue fonts, clashing colors, or wayward sizes disrupting your visual flow. It’s essentially a tidy-desk approach, but for your digital workspace.

Stop Losing Docs: Word Now Auto-Saves New Files to the Cloud

Stop Losing Docs: Word Now Auto-Saves New Files to the Cloud

Microsoft Word now saves new files directly to the cloud by default. There are no extra clicks and no forgotten saves. This small change can make a big difference in how you work, collaborate, and protect your content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 1, 2025

What if your next great idea never got lost?

You open Word, start typing, and forget to hit Save. 

Hours pass. 

Maybe you close the file without thinking. 

That moment of panic? 

It’s gone. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Don't Worry.  Microsoft Saves New Word Files to the Cloud!

New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

Microsoft just gave Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a subtle but powerful upgrade: new Fountain and Brush pens plus full control over your Draw tab layout. Here's how to make your digital handwriting feel more like your own.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2025

What if your favorite pen could follow you into every document?

For years, OneNote users have enjoyed the expressive flair of the Brush and Fountain pens. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Brush and Fountain pens in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Microsoft is finally bringing those same tools to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows. 

But this update isn’t just about new ink, it’s about control. 

You can now reorder, remove, and personalize your Draw tab to match how you actually work.

It’s a small change, but one that feels surprisingly personal. Like rearranging your desk so your favorite pen is always within reach.

What You'll Gain

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

If you're using Microsoft 365, you already have access to SmartArt, a simple way to turn plain bullet points into visuals that actually communicate. Here's how to use it in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 18, 2025

Have you ever sat through a presentation where slide after slide was just text and bullet points?

It’s a fast way to lose your audience.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Convert Bulleted Lists to SmartArt.

SmartArt is built into Microsoft 365 and lets you turn a list into a visual diagram in seconds. 

No design skills are needed. 

Just pick a layout, paste your list, and you're done. 

Whether you're teaching, presenting, or writing a report, SmartArt helps your message come across more clearly.

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new audio overview feature in Word transforms documents into podcast-style summaries.  It's perfect for multitaskers, educators, and busy professionals.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 11, 2025

Have you ever wished that your documents could talk to you?

You’re rushing between meetings, juggling emails, and trying to prep for tomorrow’s presentation. 

That 10-page report sitting in Word? 

It’s not getting read anytime soon. 

But what if it could read itself to you like a podcast, tailored to your pace?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Let Microsoft Word Read to You.

Unlock Excel Compatibility Versions to Safeguard Your Formulas

Unlock Excel Compatibility Versions to Safeguard Your Formulas

Set Excel’s compatibility version to choose legacy or modern behavior, thus ensuring workbook formula consistency while tapping into new functions.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 4, 2025

Have you ever opened a workbook only to find its formulas behaving strangely, especially when shared across teams? 

Or worry that modern updates to the LEN or MID functions might break old calculations? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set the Compatibility Version in Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft has quietly rolled out a compatibility‑versions feature that lets you control whether formulas run in legacy or updated mode. 

That’s a game‑changer if you juggle historical files alongside modern workflows.

What the Feature Is and Why It Matters

This feature lets you set a workbook-level compatibility version: 

• Version 1 preserves legacy Excel function behavior (think Excel 97‑2003), 
• Version 2 enables updated text functions, including proper support for Unicode surrogate pairs and emojis.

New workbooks currently default to Version 1 until Version 2 becomes the recommended default in early 2026.

For power‑users, educators, or analysts who share files with older platforms, this is huge.

You can avoid subtle calculation drift while adopting new tools when you're ready.

What You’ll Gain

• Preserve historical calculation behavior and prevent formula drift
• Activate modern Excel enhancements (e.g. emoji‑aware LEN, MID, FIND)
• Smooth collaboration whether your counterpart uses old or new Excel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Microsoft 365 / Desktop / Web

1. Open your workbook.
2. Go to the Formulas tab.
3. Navigate to Calculation Options, then Compatibility Version.
4. Choose Version 1 or Version 2.
5. Save the workbook.

fig. 1 - Set Compatibility Version in Excel

iOS / Android

1. As of now, mobile Excel does not expose compatibility version controls.
2. You’ll need to set it on desktop or web, then open it on mobile.

Feature Access

Available to Microsoft 365 users on Windows, Mac, and Excel for the Web.

 Not available in Excel mobile apps. 

This is current in production releases.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Offers precise control over workbook compatibility, allowing users to choose between backward compatibility or modern functionality.
• Prevents scripts or functions from breaking due to updates, such as new emoji-aware functions, keeping workflows stable.
• Enables seamless collaboration by ensuring workbooks function as intended across different Excel versions.

Cons

• Requires setting Compatibility Version per workbook, not globally, which can be tedious for users managing multiple files.
• New workbooks default to legacy mode (Version 1) until Version 2 becomes standard, potentially delaying access to newer features.
• Users must manually switch to newer versions to leverage enhancements, which may lead to oversight in busy workflows.

Real‑World Examples

• A finance team keeps a quarterly model in Excel 2010 format. They can safely update to modern Excel and still run old report macros by keeping Version 1.

• An educator builds spreadsheets with FIND or MID functions, teaching students who use modern Office on desktop or web.  They switch to Version 2 so text functions behave intuitively with multilingual text or emoji.

• A small business receives .xlsx files with old templates; to avoid layout shifts or formula errors, they force Version 1 until upgrading all templates.

Score

Criterion    Score    Justification

Value 9/10: 

Solves real compatibility headaches and formula inconsistencies across versions.

Usability 8/10: 

Easy drop‑down toggle, but requires manual per‑workbook setup.

Wow Factor 7/10: 

Elegant control over legacy vs modern behavior—not flashy, but very smart.

Total: 24/30: 👍 Good. Worth adopting for most users.

If you heavily rely on historical files, the peace of mind is compelling; for everyone else, flipping to Version 2 now and re‑testing models is simple and worthwhile.

Key Takeaways

This setting gives you full control over how Excel treats formulas, legacy or modern, per workbook. 

It prevents unexpected formula breakage while unlocking new Unicode‑aware text functions. 

It’s accessible today in Microsoft 365 desktop and web.

Try It Yourself

Give it a spin.

Open an old workbook and switch to Version 2. 

Observe if any calculations change. Love it? Let your team know. 

If you’ve found a surprising use case, drop a comment. 

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READ MORE

• Master Excel Formulas with Copilot’s ‘Explain this Formula’
  
• Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS
  
• Microsoft Excel for the Web Now Lets You Share Links to Sheet Views

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Word for the Web Gets Smarter: New Header & Footer Tools Save Time and Sanity

Word for the Web Gets Smarter: New Header & Footer Tools Save Time and Sanity

Word for the web just received a much-needed facelift. The new header and footer experience simplifies formatting, improves collaboration, and brings browser-based editing closer to its desktop counterpart.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 21, 2025

How Did Headers and Footers Get So Good?

Editing headers and footers in Word for the web used to feel like trying to thread a needle while wearing mittens. 

Formatting was clunky, updates lagged, and many users abandoned browser editing altogether in favor of the desktop app.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try editing headers and footers in Microsoft Word for the Web.

Microsoft has redesigned this experience with a focus on usability and flexibility. Whether you're inserting a title, adding page numbers, or styling each section of your document uniquely, Word for the web finally handles it gracefully.

Turn PowerPoint Slides into Animated GIFs

Turn PowerPoint Slides into Animated GIFs

Create looping, lightweight presentations perfect for email, social, and more without the fuss of video exports.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 30, 2025

Ever tried emailing a PowerPoint presentation only to find the file size ballooned with animations? 

Or wished your team could preview a deck in Slack without downloading a file? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Turn PowerPoint slides into Animated GIFs.

Enter the humble .GIF, not just for memes anymore, but a surprisingly practical format for sharing visual summaries of your slides.

Microsoft has baked a GIF export feature right into PowerPoint. 

And it’s more than a gimmick: it’s a slick shortcut for turning presentations into lightweight, looping visuals that work almost anywhere.

What You'll Gain

• Quick-share presentations as animated GIFs
• Bypass large video files and bulky email attachments 
• Bring motion to newsletters, social posts, and training content

Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Skip the blank page.  Microsoft 365 now lets you search templates on iOS, giving your presentations, budgets, and reports a polished head start.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 23, 2025

Caught in a Coffee Shop, Deadline Looming?

There’s nothing quite like trying to build a presentation on your iPhone with one thumb and a ticking clock. 

Whether you’re on the train, between meetings, or working from a park bench, starting from scratch isn’t just time-consuming.

It’s a creativity killer.

Here's a Cool Tip: Search for Templates in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone and iPad.

Microsoft has added a deceptively powerful feature to its Word, Excel, and PowerPoint mobile apps for iOS: searchable templates.