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Making the PDF…
About the Cornell notes template
The Cornell method turns one sheet of paper into a small study system. This tool makes the sheet for you: a narrow cue column on the left, a wide notes area on the right, and a summary box at the bottom.
Set the lines the way you like them, print as many pages as you need for the term, and bring them to class. The PDF is made in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
Features
- The three Cornell parts — cue column, notes area and summary box on every page
- Lined, dotted or blank notes — with wide, college or narrow spacing
- Cue column width — narrow, the standard 2.5 inches, or wide
- Summary box height — small, the standard 2 inches, or large
- Name, date, subject and topic lines — and you can print a subject on every page
- Four styles — classic box, minimal lines, soft shading or bold heading bars
- A4 or US Letter — up to 50 pages in one PDF, in six line colours
How to use it
- Choose Lined, Dotted or Blank for the notes area
- Set the Cue column width and Summary box height, or keep the standard sizes
- Type your Subject if you want it printed on every page
- Pick a Style and a Line colour
- Enter the number of Pages you need
- Press Print, or Download PDF and save it for later
What is the Cornell method?
Walter Pauk, a teacher at Cornell University, made this method in the 1950s. He described it in his book *How to Study in College*. His idea was simple: taking notes is only the first step. You learn when you go back and work with them.
The page layout makes you do that work. Each part has its own job, and each job happens at a different time.
| Part | When | What you write |
|---|---|---|
| Notes | During the class | Main ideas, facts, short examples |
| Cues | Soon after the class | Questions and key words |
| Summary | After you review | The main ideas in a few sentences |
How to take Cornell notes, step by step
Pauk's steps are often called the five Rs:
- Record — during the class, write in the notes area. Use short phrases, not full sentences. Leave gaps between topics
- Reduce — after class, turn your notes into short questions and key words, and write them in the cue column next to the matching notes
- Recite — cover the notes area with a sheet of paper. Read each cue and answer it out loud in your own words. Then check your answer
- Reflect — ask yourself what it means. How does it connect to what you already know?
- Review — go back to the page for a few minutes each week, and test yourself with the cues again
Then write the summary at the bottom of the page. If you cannot sum up the page in a few sentences, you have found the part you need to study again.
A short example
Imagine a biology class about plant cells. In the notes area you might write: "Chloroplast: makes food from light. Cell wall: gives shape." In the cue column, next to those lines: "What does a chloroplast do?" and "Why do plants stay stiff?" At the bottom, the summary says: "Plant cells have parts animal cells do not, mainly for making food and keeping shape."
Exam week is now easy to plan. Cover the notes, read the questions, and see which ones you cannot answer.
Frequently asked questions
What are the standard Cornell notes sizes?
On a Letter page, the classic layout has a 2.5 inch cue column and a 2 inch summary at the bottom, and the notes area takes the rest. This tool opens on those two sizes, and it keeps a margin that every printer can print. A4 pages are a little narrower and taller, so the notes area changes to fit.
Should the notes area be lined or blank?
Lined suits most classes. Dotted is good for maths, science and quick sketches, because you can draw on it and still write in straight lines. Blank suits diagrams and people with very neat writing.
Can I use it on a tablet?
Yes. Download the PDF and open it in a notes app such as GoodNotes, Notability or OneNote. You can then write on it with a stylus.
Does the Cornell method work for every subject?
It works best when a class has many facts and ideas, such as history, biology or law. For maths, many students use the notes area for worked examples and the cue column for the rule behind each one.
When should I write the cues?
As soon as you can after the class, while you still remember it. Do it the same day if possible. If you wait a week, the notes may no longer make sense.
Good to know
- The dotted and lined notes areas both use the Line spacing you choose
- Print at Actual size or 100% so the lines keep their spacing
- Your settings are saved in this browser for your next visit
Related tools
- Printable Flashcards — turn your cue questions into cards
- Pomodoro Timer — short study sessions with breaks
- Printable Lined Paper — plain lined pages for extra notes
- Printable Dot Grid Paper — for sketches and diagrams
- Quiz Maker — make a test from your notes
