Overview
This lecture provides a comprehensive beginner’s guide to using Notion, covering the interface, basic and advanced blocks, database fundamentals, customization methods, and practical tips for using a study or productivity template.
Navigating Notion Interface
- The sidebar is accessed via the three lines in the top left and contains search, settings, workspaces, and templates.
- The ellipses in the top right menu allow you to change font, text style, page width, undo, and import/export content.
Basic Blocks in Notion
- Text blocks, bullet points, and to-do lists can be added using slash commands (e.g., /text, /to-do).
- Subpages (nested pages) are created with /page.
- Headings come in three levels: /1, /2, /3.
- Tables, bullet lists, numbered lists, toggles, quotes, dividers, callouts, and links can be created with respective slash commands.
- Links to other pages or external sites can be embedded.
Advanced Blocks and Features
- Table of contents, buttons (custom automations), breadcrumbs (navigation path), and synced blocks are available for more advanced structuring.
- Columns can be created by dragging blocks or using the columns function.
- Notion AI can summarize, continue writing, and more (requires a subscription).
Editing and Customizing Blocks
- Select, move, copy, or delete blocks using keyboard shortcuts (Cmd+A, Cmd+Shift+Click, drag).
- Style text with bold, italics, strikethrough, inline code, and color via markdown or highlight menus.
- Organize blocks into columns and adjust block order visually or with shortcuts.
Navigation and Page Management
- Open a new Notion tab with Cmd+T.
- Switch between pages with Ctrl+Shift+K.
- Toggle light and dark mode with Cmd+Shift+L.
Databases Fundamentals
- Databases can be inline (shown within a page) or full-page (standalone).
- Views include table, board, timeline, calendar, list, and gallery.
- Filter and sort database entries by property (e.g., show only "fruit" items or sort by date).
- Properties include text, number, select, status, date, person, checkbox, URL, and more.
- Formulas, relations, and roll-ups allow dynamic calculations and linked information between tables.
Embeds and Widgets
- Embed files, Google Docs, YouTube, Spotify, and more using /embed.
- Use widgets from external sites (e.g., weather, calendar) by embedding links.
Template-Specific Q&A (Office Hours)
- Add quick links by copying and pasting page or database links into the home page.
- Add tasks or assignments by creating a new entry in the relevant database.
- Embed Google Calendar via widgets like Indify and paste the generated embed link.
- Financial trackers use relations, roll-ups, and formulas to manage income, expenses, and budgets.
- Habit tracker analytics can be customized by editing existing habits or adding new properties/cards.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Block — Any piece of content in Notion (text, heading, to-do, etc.).
- Database — A structured collection of pages or entries with customizable properties.
- View — Different ways to display database content (table, board, etc.).
- Relation — Connects one database to another for linked data.
- Roll-Up — Aggregates and displays data from related databases.
- Embed — Inserting external content (files, widgets, media) directly into Notion.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Download and duplicate the recommended Notion template.
- Complete the in-template tutorial exercises for each block and database type.
- Explore adding properties, relations, and roll-ups in your own databases.
- Customize the template by embedding necessary widgets and editing habits or quick links as needed.