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.
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.
Cornell notes in Google Docs or Word
Most students print the template and write by hand, which is faster in class and better for memory. If you'd rather type, print to PDF and annotate it digitally, or recreate the same layout in Docs or Word using these proportions: a cue column about one third of the width and a summary band across the bottom — exactly what this generator draws.
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?
- Walter Pauk's original Cornell layout uses a 2.5-inch cue column on US Letter, leaving about 6 inches for notes. This tool's default (27% of the writing area at the standard margin) puts the divider at that classic 2.5-inch mark, and you can widen or narrow it to suit your 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 you can print and write on by hand, which most students prefer for class. If you need a typed, editable version, you can print to PDF and annotate it digitally, or recreate the same layout in Docs/Word using the proportions shown here (about a 1/3 cue column and a bottom summary band).
- 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.