Here’s a list of some of the best editing and formatting hacks in Notion to supercharge your workflow speed.
1. Create Blocks Instantly
Notion’s block-based editor utilizes commands to generate content. These can be accessed in the commands list, but there is a faster approach to creating content.
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + [0-9] can be used to generate any type of block. For instance, you can use Ctrl + Shift + 4 to create a checklist or Ctrl + Shift + 5 to generate a bullet list. This saves you from typing commands manually, providing an instant method of generating content.
You can also change blocks’ format using these numbered shortcuts too—just make sure your cursor is selected on the block to change.
2. Move Blocks With Ease
Another advantage of a block-based editor is the ability to move content around easily. Notion offers a simple way to move content, removing the fuss of drag-and-dropping. With your cursor on any block, you can use Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down Arrow to shift its position. This will automatically swap it for other blocks as you move it.
There is an extension that allows you to move multiple blocks placed next to each other at once. To do this, you’ll need to hit Esc to select a block and then extend your selection using Shift + Up/Down Arrow. You can now use the original shortcut to move multiple blocks at a time.
3. Use Toggles Smartly
Toggles are one of Notion’s finest tools. You can use them to generate many types of lists in Notion, and they can massively help structure your document. The keyboard shortcut to create a toggle block owns a clever visual presentation—just type > on a new line followed by a space.
Ctrl + Enter is the keyboard shortcut to hide and display a toggle’s contents. While this is convenient, things can become messy when you have an accumulation of opened and unopened toggles sitting in your document. Thankfully, there is a keyboard shortcut to instantly organize your document—simply use Ctrl + Alt + T to collapse all toggles on your notes page.
4. Navigate Around Your Workspace Easily
If you want to use your note-taking app super-efficiently, learning the right navigation shortcuts will be a great benefit. Notion luckily provides many smart tools, so you can navigate around your workspace with ease.
You can jump to a previous page using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + [ (left square bracket). Likewise, Ctrl + ] will navigate you forwards. Sometimes, moving back and forth isn’t enough, so there is another navigation method.
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + U navigates you up one level in your workspace’s hierarchy. This is particularly helpful if you have multiple levels of folders and a neatly structured workspace.
5. Change the Location of Pages and Blocks
Changing the location of a page in Notion is conveniently the same as changing a block’s location. There’s only one shortcut you need to know for this, and by using it, you’ll become an editing expert.
With your cursor on a note’s title, use Ctrl + Shift + P to move the page to another location. There’s also a way to move a page link within a document: just use Esc to select it, followed by the former shortcut.
As mentioned previously, the same method can be used to move a block of content to another page or folder. Ensure the block is selected, hit Ctrl + Shift + P, and type in the destination folder. This saves you the hassle of moving away from your working document and relying on copy and paste tools.
6. Open Pages in New Tabs and Windows
If you want to become a multitasking expert, tabs and windows are your best friend. Notion offers a universal approach to opening content in new tabs to save you from remembering a dozen shortcuts. You can use Ctrl + left-click on any page to open it in a new tab. The same can be applied to the search tool, which can be opened using Ctrl + P.
Switching between tabs is also simple. Notion provides shortcuts that are similar to common browser shortcuts, such as Ctrl + Tab to move forwards along tabs and Ctrl + Shift + Tab to move backwards. You can also open a new window using Ctrl + Shift + N if your current working space is getting cluttered.
7. Use Markdown Shortcuts
Markdown is a popular writing format among programmers, but it can also be practical in general note-taking apps like Notion. For quickly generating different headings, # can be used for a Heading 1, ## for a Heading 2, and ### for a Heading 3 size. Much of Markdown language is visually representative, such as typing [] to create a checkbox and using “ to generate a quote.
Markdown is a useful skill to learn that you’ll see come in handy in other contexts. And, if you’re a programmer, you don’t need to think twice about using this tip.
8. Manage Your Workspace’s Environment
Whether you’re after a quick way to access links, or a simplified space to focus on your work, Notion offers a simple way to toggle the sidebar display. The shortcut Ctrl + \ will hide or display the sidebar.
If you’re an avid note-taker with an extensive amount of notes spread across multiple workspaces, you may find it useful to quickly switch between workspaces. To move to another workspace, hold the Alt and Shift keys, then tap on the number assigned to that workspace. (If you have three workspaces, these will be numbered chronologically from 1-3.)
One handy tip for productivity experts: you can have multiple tabs in the same window that belong to different workspaces—Notion will automatically change the sidebar as you switch between tabs.
Supercharge Your Work Speed With These Quickfire Shortcuts
Often it can be challenging when using software to find the most efficient way to do things. Using some of these tips, you’ll be able to create, edit, and navigate through content effortlessly, saving you precious time when working in Notion.
