Microsoft Loop is primarily aimed at business users, but is also available for users with an individual Microsoft 365 account. Microsoft describes the product as "Think, design and create together." Here's how the Loop app can help you take notes, create to-do lists, plan trips and more.

Where can I access the Loop?

Microsoft Loop is available online for those who have a Microsoft 365 account. Loop can also be installed on mobile devices, either from the device's own app store or from the online app.

Once you're signed in to your Microsoft 365 account, you may not see Loop on your home screen or in the left-hand menu - even if you click the menu icon in the top left-hand corner. To access the Loop, click on the "Other applications" button in the menu, where you will find the application.

What can be done in the Loop?

When you start the app, the interface is similar to OneNote, with a menu on the left with search, notification and other options.

To create a new component that allows you to enter new ideas - whether it's an idea fair, planning a trip or creating a shared shopping list - click the "+" button in the top left corner. Here, you have the option to create a Tab or a new workspace. A Tab provides a canvas with a title and stem text, while a workspace is a shared space for teamwork (for example, a project sprint).

After creating a tab, you have a number of options. You can use the tab in a general way, adding titles and rows, or you can choose from a list of templates at the bottom of the tab. These templates offer pre-populated options that can be customized. For example, by selecting the "Meeting Notes" template, a preformatted page is available.

Once the template is created, the relevant information can be filled in quickly and efficiently. You can fill in the different sections of the page, including the agenda, tasks assigned to team members, deadlines and task categories. The same template can also be used for shopping lists, travel planning and other purposes.

Sharing with collaborators

Once the relevant fields on the page have been filled in, the next step is to ensure that all team members have access and are aware of their responsibilities.

Adding a team member to the "Responsible" column of the table will generate an automatic email notification that they have been added to a Loop page.

If users are not listed in the organisation, they may not receive the automatic notification. In this case, to share the page, click the "Share" button in the top right corner and select "Page link". This will ensure that only those who receive the link will have access to that page. Alternatively, it is possible to embed and make public the entire page where the Loop component is embedded.

What is the difference between Loop and OneNote?

To understand the differences between Loop and OneNote, it may be useful to use online OneNote as a comparison.

At first glance, the two applications may seem similar. According to Microsoft, OneNote is a "digital notebook" that is primarily for note-taking, and notes can be shared. Although a OneNote notebook can be shared with others, this is not its primary purpose.

In contrast, Loop is specifically designed to support collaboration and teamwork. If, for example, you want to create an application bug tracker to track known issues with Microsoft 365 applications and want to actively collaborate with team members or management, Loop's components and pages provide a more effective tool.

Microsoft Loop can be a useful tool for collaborative projects and plans, whether you're planning a family trip, brainstorming holiday events or making plans with friends. The app offers an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface, with many customisation options to enrich collaborative projects.