Free Cornell Notes Template
A printable Cornell notes template you can customize — adjust the cue column, summary bar and header, then print to PDF on Letter or A4. Free, no signup.
Choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog for a PDF file. Use 100% scale, no margins, and turn off headers and footers.
About this Cornell notes template
This generator makes a free, printable Cornell notes template as a PDF. The page is split into the three classic Cornell areas — a left cue column, a wide notes area, and a summary bar at the bottom — plus a header for the title, date and topic. Adjust the cue width, summary height and header, then print at the exact size on Letter or A4. For plain ruled pages without the cue column and summary bar, use lined paper instead.
How to take Cornell notes
- During class — write notes in the wide right-hand area.
- Soon after — add keywords and questions in the cue column.
- Within a day — write a short summary in your own words at the bottom.
- To revise — cover the notes and use the cues to quiz yourself.
Read the original study method at Cornell University's Learning Strategies Center.
Cornell notes in Google Docs or Word
This generator creates a page for handwriting or PDF annotation. It does not download an editable Word or Google Docs file. To make a typed version, recreate the layout with a table:
- Add a title, topic and date above a two-column table.
- Make the left column about one quarter to one third of the table width for cues and questions.
- Use the wider right column for notes. Add a final row and merge its two cells for the summary.
- Keep the borders visible and increase row heights to leave enough writing room.
How to print Cornell notes
Set the cue column and summary area, choose Letter or A4, then select Print / Save as PDF. Match the paper size in the print dialog, use 100% scale, and turn browser margins, headers and footers off. Choose Save as PDF to keep the blank template for another class, or Copy link to reuse the same layout.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cornell note-taking method?
The Cornell method splits a page into three areas: a narrow left cue column for keywords and questions, a wide notes area on the right for notes during class, and a summary bar across the bottom you fill in afterward. Reviewing by covering the notes and answering the cues turns passive notes into active recall.
How do I format a Cornell notes page?
Leave a header for the title, date and topic, draw a vertical line about a third of the way across for the cue column, write notes on the right, and reserve a band at the bottom for a summary. This template draws all of that for you — adjust the cue width, summary height and header with the controls.
How wide should the cue column be?
A common Cornell layout puts the divider about 2.5 inches from the left edge of a Letter sheet. With this tool's default margins, a 27% cue column places the divider close to that mark. The percentage applies to the usable writing area, so the exact width changes with page size and orientation. Adjust it to fit your questions and handwriting.
How do I use Cornell notes?
Take notes in the right column during class. Soon after, write keywords and questions in the cue column. Within a day, write a short summary at the bottom in your own words. To revise, cover the notes and use the cue column to quiz yourself.
Can I use this Cornell template in Google Docs or Word?
This generator outputs a print-ready PDF for handwriting or digital annotation. If you need a typed, editable version, recreate the same layout in Docs/Word using the proportions shown here (about a 1/3 cue column and a bottom summary band); this page does not provide an editable file.
Is it free, and does it work on Letter and A4?
Yes — completely free, no signup. Choose US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, and the template prints at its exact size.