Microsoft’s Send to Sway add-in for OneNote bridges the gap between note-taking and presentation creation. This powerful tool allows you to seamlessly export your OneNote content to Sway, turning your notes into visually appealing slideshows and interactive reports. In this article, we’ll explore how to install and use the Send to Sway add-in, along with its key features and benefits.
What is Microsoft Sway?
Before diving into the add-in, let’s briefly discuss Sway itself. Sway is a user-friendly presentation tool from Microsoft that enables you to create dynamic, web-based presentations. It’s often described as a more flexible alternative to PowerPoint, allowing you to easily incorporate various types of content such as text, images, videos, and even interactive elements.
Installing the Send to Sway Add-in
Step 1: Determine your OneNote version. Open OneNote and go to File > Account, then click “About OneNote” to check if you have the 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) version.
Step 2: Download the appropriate version of the Send to Sway add-in from the Microsoft Download Center. Choose the x86 version for 32-bit OneNote or the x64 version for 64-bit OneNote.
Step 3: Once downloaded, locate the .msi file and double-click to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Step 4: After installation, restart OneNote. You should now see the “Send to Sway” button in the OneNote ribbon interface.
Using the Send to Sway Add-in
Step 1: Open the OneNote page you want to convert to a Sway presentation.
Step 2: Click the “Send to Sway” button in the OneNote ribbon.
Step 3: A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to give your Sway a title. Enter a title for your presentation.
Step 4: The window will also display the email address associated with your OneNote account. If you want to use a different account for Sway, sign out and sign in with the preferred account.
Step 5: Click “Sway it” to begin the conversion process.
Step 6: Once the process is complete, you’ll see two options: “View” and “Edit”. Click “View” to see your newly created Sway presentation, or “Edit” to make further changes.
Key Features of the Send to Sway Add-in
The Send to Sway add-in offers several advantages for OneNote users:
- Cross-platform compatibility: The add-in works consistently across all Windows operating systems.
- Automatic formatting: Sway’s built-in design engine handles the formatting, saving you time and effort.
- Customization options: While Sway provides default designs, you can easily customize the look and feel of your presentation.
- Easy sharing: Share your Sway presentations via a simple link, allowing others to view your content directly in their web browsers without needing to download any software.
- Cloud synchronization: Sway syncs your OneNote content through the cloud, enabling access from various devices.
Adding Other Content Types to Sway
While the Send to Sway add-in primarily focuses on transferring text and images from OneNote, Sway itself supports a wide range of content types. You can enhance your Sway presentations by adding:
- Videos from sources like YouTube
- Interactive charts and graphs
- Maps
- Social media posts
- PDF files
To add a PDF to your Sway, simply use the upload option within the Sway interface. This built-in feature eliminates the need for third-party tools or services.
The Send to Sway add-in for OneNote streamlines the process of turning your notes into engaging presentations. By bridging these two powerful Microsoft tools, you can effortlessly create professional-looking content from your existing notes. Give it a try and see how it can transform your OneNote pages into dynamic Sway presentations!