How to make an outline step by step to study better: complete guide, types and examples

There are many study techniques we can use throughout our academic and professional lives, but few are as versatile, effective, and lasting as outlining. This tool adapts to almost any subject, level, or type of content, from a history topic to a complex law or a technical manual.

It is important for the student to be involved in creating a good outline. Otherwise, the unmotivated student will not truly make the most of the time spent creating the outline and risks turning this technique into a mechanical task with no real benefit.

It's essential to understand what an outline is and how to create one in order to use this technique consciously and strategically while studying. Furthermore, it's important to find a suitable place to concentrate and dedicate your full attention to the subject matter . A good outline is built on a solid foundation of reading comprehension, idea selection, and organization.

How to make an outline?

Before delving into types of diagrams or digital tools, it's essential to master the overall creation process. Creating an effective diagram involves following a series of steps that begin long before drawing the first brace or sketching the first arrow.

A good outline is not a condensed copy of the text, but a visual representation of its essential ideas. It should allow you to understand the topic at a glance , show the hierarchy between concepts, and serve as a guide for recalling what you've studied during review.

How to make a study outline

It's very important to have some final notes to help us review in the days leading up to an exam. This review tool is always essential, but even more so when the material is extensive and complex. This way, we can remember what's important without getting lost in secondary details.

Outlines, which complement traditional summaries, help us remember information . Students use them to review before an upcoming exam, to prepare an oral presentation, or to organize a project. This tool serves a practical function: it transforms dense information into a clear and manageable map.

If you truly want to learn how to create an effective study plan, it's important to consider the logic of the entire process, not just the final result on paper. Below, you'll find the key steps, incorporating best practices from various study techniques.

Prior reading and comprehension

Before drawing anything, you must actively read the text. It's impossible to create a good outline if you haven't understood the text . This first set of steps is fundamental:

As we have previously discussed, You should read the notes several times and underline them. It is also advisable to take notes in the margin to clarify complex ideas.
In a first quick reading, focus on identifying the central theme and general structure (introduction, sections, conclusions).
In a subsequent comprehensive reading, pause on the key concepts, consult the dictionary or additional resources if there are terms you do not understand.
Underline the main ideas in one color and the secondary ideas in another. differentiate levels of importance naked eye.

Selection of key ideas and hierarchy

Once you understand the text, it's time to filter it. Here you must practice your ability to synthesize and analyze critically.

Choose a title for the outline Clearly define the main topic. That will be your starting point.
Identify the most important sections of the topic to develop the information in a clear order. They usually coincide with the titles and subtitles of the original text.
Determine which ideas are main (those that cannot be eliminated) and which are secondary or complementary.
Establish a hierarchy between conceptsThe most general information is placed at the top level, and the most specific information is placed at lower levels, as if it were a tree.

Synthesis and schematic writing

In an outline, you don't write complete sentences unless absolutely necessary. What you need are keywords and short phrases that act as triggers for your memory.

Summarizes and synthesizes the content of each section. Transform long sentences into short concepts that capture the essence.
If needed, use abbreviations to make even better use of the page space. Create your own short code if you find it helpful.
Use simple and direct language, with words that you yourself would use when explaining the topic out loud.
Avoid copying the text verbatim except for essential technical definitions.

Visual organization and connections

The strength of a diagram lies in its visual structure. It's not just what ideas appear that matters, but how they are arranged and related to each other.

Link different concepts to create a common thread between main ideas and secondary dataYou can use keys, arrows, numbers, or letters.
Distribute the information on the sheet, leaving blank space between blocks for avoid the feeling of saturation.
If you wish, you can also use different colors to differentiate topics or levels. This differentiation helps you identify specific content at a glance.
Respect the reading direction of the chosen diagram type: from top to bottom, from left to right, or from the center outwards.

Review and use for study

After completing this process, review the outline to make any necessary corrections. Check that no key ideas are missing , that the relationships between concepts are correct, and that the design is easy to understand.

Use this study tool to review. It's very important that your study time is high-quality. And outlines help you make even better use of the minutes you invest in an academic goal, because they facilitate memorization, comprehension, and quick review in the days leading up to the exam.

The best tricks to study

How to make an outline in Word or on the computer

You can use various resources to create a good diagram. Using pencil and paper allows you to do this anywhere. But you might prefer to develop the content on a computer, which makes it easier to correct, move blocks, and reuse templates. In that case, you can use Word or other diagramming software.

If you decide to work in Word, you can choose between two main approaches: outline mode based on heading levels or creating graphic outlines with shapes, arrows, and boxes.

Classic outline mode in Word

How do I begin this task? Click directly on the View menu and look at the options it offers . In this section, you'll find the Outline option. Clicking on it will display the document text with that structure.

The visual format of an outline developed in this way is not composed of a succession of brackets or arrows. The relationship between main and secondary ideas is immediately apparent through a multi-level organization . Each level corresponds to a title or subtitle in the document (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, etc.).

When you click on the View tab and then the Outline section in Word, the toolbar presents a wide variety of resources for formatting your document. It structures the content around different levels of headings , allowing you to collapse or expand entire sections—very useful when working with long topics.

Graphic schemes with shapes in Word

A good outline stands out for its perfect visual organization. It presents, in a concise way, the main points that delve deeper into the central theme. We've mentioned that a design created in Word displays text organized at different levels. However, the program also allows you to integrate specific symbols from a paper outline into your writing.

To do this, create a new document, click on the Insert menu, and look at the available options in the Shapes section . Clicking on this will show you a wide variety of designs, including block arrows, flowcharts, lines, and other basic shapes.

This way, you can customize the outline with different symbols to help structure the information: rectangles for main ideas, ovals for examples, arrows for cause-and-effect relationships, etc. You can combine text and shapes to achieve an effect similar to a flowchart or mind map.

What happens if the size of a key or other symbol you've selected takes up too much space in the document? You can adjust it to the precise shape by dragging its borders or using the sizing options in the toolbar.

Other digital tools for creating diagrams

In addition to Word, there are programs and applications that facilitate the creation of diagrams and concept maps visually and collaboratively. Some very practical options are:

good notes (iOS): Ideal for drafting and sketching with a digital pen. It allows you to include images and pre-designed shapes, making it easy to create freehand sketches in digital format.
Procreate (iOS): Offers advanced creative features, perfect for those who want to combine diagrams with drawings, highly customized icons and visual notes.
Canva (Web, Android, iOS): It offers pre-designed templates for outlines, organizational charts, and diagrams. It's very useful if you want an aesthetically pleasing result without starting from scratch.
lucidpark (web): especially interesting for creating collaborative concept maps and mind maps, in which several students or colleagues can work at the same time.
Diagrams.net (Web): Free application for creating all kinds of diagrams and saving them in the cloud. It allows you to design flowcharts, decision trees, and hierarchical structures.
XmindDesigned for mind maps and hierarchical diagrams. It is very useful for breaking down broad topics into branches and sub-branches.
SmartDraw: geared towards users who need to create professional diagrams (organizational charts, Gantt charts, etc.) and can also be used for study outlines.
bubbl.us: a simple online tool for bubble-type schemes, accessible from computer, mobile or tablet and with export in various formats.

These apps let you easily save, duplicate, and update your outlines. They also make it easy to organize a digital repository of outlines for all your subjects, which is very useful if you're preparing for important exams or competitive entrance exams.

How to make pretty or creative outlines

The usefulness of an outline lies primarily in its content, but its visual appearance also influences motivation and memory. A beautiful and creative outline can be more appealing to review, help you remember information better, and make studying less monotonous.

In Training and Studies we give you some suggestions and recommendations to achieve this aesthetic goal without losing academic effectiveness.

First, prioritize what is truly important: contentThe aesthetics of a diagram are significantly enhanced when the information is perfectly organized. This is a direct result of excellent preparation, not a superficial embellishment. When there is a visual order connecting the main points, the presentation becomes clear almost naturally. To boost creativity during the exercise, it's advisable to use several drafts before finalizing the details of the diagram. This allows you to make corrections, evaluate alternatives, compare different designs, identify areas for improvement, and refine the document through attention to detail. Practical experience is essential for creating original and visually appealing diagrams.
Draw pictures next to important words to accompany the concept with a visual image. Often, the main objective of creating the outline is to use it as a study tool to review exam content. The excellent combination of text and image is perfect for enhancing the Visual memory and comprehension of the information. It's not about creating multiple drawings to complement the diagram, but about using this creativity intentionally to emphasize the aspects that present the greatest level of difficulty. What is the purpose of the drawing? To clarify the information and create a visual anchor in your memory.
Choosing the font type is another aspect you need to decide on. When creating a computer diagram, the chosen font should visually enhance the text. However, while aesthetics are important, the typeface is not the primary element of a diagram. What truly matters is the content and what it expresses. It's important to keep this in mind so that creativity is perfectly aligned with the main objective. to facilitate the understanding and comprehension of the topic analyzed. For example, using different fonts in a diagram can create a sense of chaos and visual noise.
Use various colors to create a pretty schemeAim for harmony among the selected tones. And, in turn, choose tones that stand out against the background. If there isn't a clear distinction between the tone itself and the background it's set against, reading becomes more difficult. A good idea is to assign one color to main ideas and another to secondary ones, and reserve a third color for examples or dates.
Brevity, well-craftedA good outline masterfully synthesizes the essence of the entire text into a smaller space. To achieve this, it's helpful to identify the keywords that are repeated in the text and incorporate them into the outline. Reread the entire text and eliminate any words or phrases that don't add real value. Remove anything unnecessary. The outline's appearance is enhanced when there is a... greater clarity and visual space.
Customize the outline format from your perspectiveWhen you take your own notes, summarize, or create an outline, you delve deeper into the subject matter. That's why it's so highly recommended that, even if you can review material using a classmate's outline, you actively participate in creating your own materials. Personalize your outline with your favorite font, format, colors, or symbols. Use elements that will enhance your understanding of the material through a well-presented and polished presentation.
Look for inspiration in other schemes These can serve as examples for you. You can look at models in textbooks, online resources, or classmates' notes. Analyze what makes those diagrams clear or visually appealing and adapt those ideas to your own style.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between form and content to create a well-designed outline. Working on the design of your outlines not only makes them more enjoyable to study, but it also forces you to review and reorganize the information multiple times, which naturally reinforces learning.

What is a schema

A diagram is a tool that connects different concepts around a common thread . It offers a visual representation of a topic, which, structured in this way, becomes perfectly organized. Synthesis is key to this study technique, so widely used in primary, secondary, and university education, as well as in exam preparation.

From a study skills perspective, outlines are considered an organizational and elaboration strategy . They not only compile information but also transform it, forcing the student to analyze, select, and prioritize what they have read.

A diagram can also serve as a guide for following the instructions of an action plan. For example, an entrepreneur can use a schematic reference to create a business plan; a professional can map the flow of a work process; a speaker can organize their presentation based on a pre-existing outline.

When a student uses an outline in an academic setting, they connect this tool to the topic it represents. By establishing this link, they can synthesize the main ideas in their analysis and relegate secondary information to the background. To create a good outline, it is essential to carefully read the content to be summarized beforehand, analyzing it, underlining key points, and gaining a general understanding of it.

Differences between diagrams and other visual tools

Diagrams are sometimes confused with other techniques such as concept maps or mind maps. Although they share the goal of representing information visually and concisely, there are important nuances:

Classic schemeIt typically has a more linear or hierarchical structure. Ideas are arranged in an orderly fashion, often from left to right or top to bottom, using brackets, arrows, numbers, or letters. It is ideal for topics structured in sections and subsections.
Conceptual mapIt organizes information in the form of a network of nodes. Concepts are placed inside boxes or circles and connected to each other by lines and linking words which indicate the type of relationship (cause, consequence, belonging, etc.). It is more flexible than the traditional scheme and is excellent for highly interconnected topics, such as complex classifications.
Mind mapIt starts with a central idea located in the center of the page and branches out, subdividing as it goes. It usually includes drawings, colors, and individual words. It is especially useful for brainstorming and initial phases of understanding.

Choosing between an outline, a concept map, or a mind map depends on your personal preferences and the type of content. The important thing is that the tool you choose helps you better understand the topic and remember it more easily.

Scheme types

Choose the type of outline that helps you review best. That is, of all the available formats, you may have a greater preference for one, but nothing prevents you from combining and adapting them to the specific content you are studying. Different types of outlines offer distinct advantages depending on the objective and nature of the topic.

Arrow diagram

This is the link chosen to show the connection between the points that make up this schematically described presentation. In this case, one idea connects to another via an arrow. One of the advantages of this format is that it is very simple and, at the same time, perfectly clarifies the information.

The main arguments are reinforced by the supporting arguments. The use of arrows allows you to develop the initial idea with new, perfectly linked information. During review, you can easily see the position of each idea in the diagram and its connection to the context. Simply follow the direction of the arrows to resolve any doubts.

key scheme

Would you prefer to use an alternative format to the first option described above? Essentially, the key diagram is very similar to the arrow diagram. However, you use a different tool to present the connection between the different ideas. In this case, the keys are part of this visual representation.

The key outline typically begins by placing the main idea at one end of the page (usually the left) and opening a bracket to the right where the derived ideas are placed. Each new subdivision opens another bracket. Although this type of outline is one of the clearest, it may not be so if the content to be summarized is very extensive. The representation becomes more complex when it presents a large number of distinct sections, and it can be difficult to calculate the available space.

Tree or radial diagram

The tree diagram starts with a general concept from which branches emerge, which in turn divide into sub-branches. It can be arranged vertically (from top to bottom) or horizontally. It is very intuitive for topics with clear hierarchical structures (organizational charts, classifications, topics with many subcategories).

In its radial version, similar to a simple mind map, the main idea is placed in the center, and the main ideas appear around it, from which secondary details branch out. This format facilitates a very quick overview of the topic.

Bubble chart

The bubble or radial diagram uses circles or "bubbles" to represent ideas and lines that connect them. It resembles a mind map but can present a less rigid hierarchy than a traditional outline. It is useful for:

Group related ideas around a central concept.
Visualize multiple relationships between concepts that do not follow a single line.
Working with content that requires comparing and relating many elements.

Horizontal or vertical scheme

In a diagram, you can observe different branches stemming from the initial idea . But the type of representation can also be differentiated by how the data is structured. Writing the ideas vertically or horizontally are some of the most common options.

In a vertical outline, the information flows from the top of the page downwards, which feels very natural to many students. In a horizontal outline, you start on one side (usually the left) and move towards the right. This influences the reading experience and may be more suitable depending on the available space or how the information is distributed.

Comparative column or table scheme

A diagram is a study tool; therefore, it's an instrument with a practical purpose. It's best to choose a simple format to focus on what's important: understanding the topic. This type of diagram groups the information into several clearly defined columns.

Each column brings together ideas around a specific theme (for example, advantages, disadvantages, features, examples). But, in turn, each column is related to the others, allowing for very clear comparison of information . It's perfect for:

Differences between theories, models, or historical figures.
Advantages and disadvantages of different methods or systems.
Compare characteristics of phenomena, concepts, or stages.

Alphabetical scheme

This type of outline, instead of using braces or arrows to link different ideas, uses letters of the alphabet. Capital letters are used to highlight main ideas , while lowercase letters introduce secondary information. It can have a structure similar to a book index, which greatly facilitates locating sections during review.

Number scheme

All the diagrams mentioned so far have their own characteristics, but they are essentially identical. The purpose of this representation is to present information clearly. There are different ways to organize this data: numbers allow us to group different terms, establish subdivisions, and structure each piece of content.

In a numerical or linear scheme, numbers and subnumbers are used to order the content (1, 1.1, 1.1.1…). This type of enumeration is very simple and especially useful for sequential processes, legal topics, or indexes of extensive syllabi.

Combined scheme: letters and numbers

This type of diagram doesn't use just one type of element, but rather a combination of the two described earlier: numbers and letters of the alphabet. While you can draw inspiration from the examples described previously to create a good diagram using only one type of symbol, you can also visually enrich this exercise by combining two elements like these, since letters and numbers complement each other.

In these combined outlines, capital letters are typically used for large blocks, numbers for subheadings, and lowercase letters or dashes for even more specific details. This results in a highly detailed and organized structure , especially useful in extensive syllabi.

The ideas in a diagram can be presented sequentially (following a chronological or step-by-step order). However, some diagrams also reflect a hierarchy among the concepts. In this way, one piece of information is more important than another, and this is reflected in the way the information is organized.

Just as it's beneficial to study and review material for an upcoming exam using your own notes, it's also advisable to create your own outlines. To do this, choose a format that you find useful and clear , even if it's not the same one your classmates prefer.

Why do schematics

Some people find this exercise tedious, but it's crucial not to skip this step in your study cycle. Outlining helps you organize and structure the information . Furthermore, this structured approach facilitates understanding the content. All the data, perfectly linked, makes sense within the context of a well-designed outline.

A diagram allows you to synthesize, organize, and connect information. The idea is that at a glance you can understand what is being conveyed and that each word helps you develop previously memorized ideas.

This tool helps you study in an organized way . By following each step, you'll learn concepts faster, reduce the feeling of being stuck when faced with long texts, and gain confidence before the exam.

Benefits of using diagrams in your study

Beyond basic organization, the schemes provide concrete benefits that have been proven in different educational contexts:

Increases content comprehensionbecause it forces you to understand it much more in order to synthesize it and establish relationships between the keywords.
It speeds up the study process.Because you change tasks (reading, underlining, outlining), which makes studying less monotonous and keeps your attention active for longer.
It reduces the total study time. In the medium term: although it may seem like you are doing one more task, you actually reduce unnecessary rereading and ineffective reviews, since you are working with a very concentrated representation of the subject.
It promotes visual memory.by converting linear text into a graphic structure with shapes, colors, and positions on the page.
Strengthens cognitive abilities such as analysis, synthesis, and relating ideas, skills that are very useful not only for studying, but also for better understanding any type of information.
It serves as a quick review toolBefore an exam, it is much more effective to review a well-made outline than to try to reread the entire topic.

The order of study to make diagrams

Outlines are part of a process. To study effectively, it's essential to follow a specific order, with the outline coming fifth , not first. By the time you reach the outline stage, you should already have a solid grasp of the material. This will allow you to create a good outline that highlights the main ideas and is well-organized for better recall.

The order of study to make diagrams will be as follows:

Fast readingFirst, skim the study text to identify the main topic. This will give you an initial overview of the subject matter and help you gauge its scope and difficulty.
Divide the content Divide the topic into sections to focus on the different parts that make up the theme. This preliminary organization will help you allocate space in the outline and avoid mixing ideas from different blocks.
Reading and understanding the textIn this phase, read the text carefully to understand the message. Note down any concepts you find more difficult so you can look up their meaning in the dictionary or other resources. This way, you'll understand the text as a whole more clearly.
Underline the main ideasUnderlining is necessary before creating an outline. Underlining helps you choose the main ideas and discard those that are less relevant. Thanks to underlining, you can better organize the material you need to study.
The scheme. The scheme is essential to be able to carry out a successful study. At this stage, organize the main ideas that you have underlined in the text. In this way, you can give them an order to visualize and understand the content.
Further exploration using the existing outlineThe outline complements the information in the text. It adds conciseness and clarity. Use this tool to delve deeper into more complex concepts, elaborating on them aloud or supplementing them with brief notes if necessary.
The reviewUse this resource to review the content of an upcoming exam. You can reread the outline several times, reconstruct the topic from it, or try writing a summary without looking at it and then check which points you've forgotten.

In this way, during this study process, you will also be able to check which aspects you need to reinforce even more, because the scheme will highlight where there are gaps or doubts.

Quality vs quantity of study

Students at any academic level should prioritize the quality of their study time. In other words, it's better to study for shorter periods but in a focused and structured way than to spend hours in front of a book without truly making the most of that time.

Outlines help you move from passive to active learning . Rereading notes repeatedly creates a false sense of security, but the brain isn't actually working to retrieve the information. Creating an outline, on the other hand, requires making decisions, selecting, organizing, and expressing information in your own words, which involves cognitive effort that consolidates learning.

Improving time management is essential for achieving your goals. Therefore, motivation is crucial for studying and creating outlines. Focus on your main objective to develop a clear and organized outline, and remember that the time invested in creating good outlines is more than recouped during the review phase.

When you regularly integrate this technique into your routine, topics cease to be overwhelming blocks and become clear structures where you know where to begin and how to review. This sense of control is one of the greatest benefits of learning to create step-by-step outlines for more effective studying.