How to Add a Vertical Divider in Notion

Notion enthusiasts often find themselves wishing for a bit more customization, especially when it comes to organizing content visually. One such customization is adding vertical dividers. While Notion doesn't offer a direct tool for vertical dividers like it does for horizontal ones, you can still achieve this effect with a bit of creativity. Let's break down how you can craft vertical dividers in Notion to make your pages more visually appealing.

Creating Columns: The First Step

Before we get into the magic of vertical dividers, the first thing you need to do is master columns in Notion. Columns allow you to place content side by side, which is crucial for creating the illusion of vertical dividers.

To create columns, simply drag a block next to another block. Here's how you do it:

• Start by creating two or more blocks. These can be text blocks, images, or any other type of content.
• Click and hold the drag handle (the little dots) on the left side of a block.
• Drag the block next to another block until you see a vertical blue line indicating where it will be placed.
• Release the mouse button to create a column.

And there you have it! You've created columns in Notion, which is the essential first step towards adding a vertical divider.

Using Divider Blocks Creatively

While Notion doesn't provide a vertical divider, you can use the horizontal divider creatively to mimic this effect. It's not about literal vertical lines but about creating separation.

Here's a simple trick: Use multiple horizontal dividers stacked closely to create what looks like a vertical line. Follow these steps:

• Create a horizontal divider block by typing --- and pressing Enter.
• Duplicate this divider several times by copying and pasting it.
• Align these dividers vertically within a column.

This method gives you a dotted line effect, which can serve as a subtle vertical divider for breaking up content. It's a bit of a workaround, but it's effective!

Adding Emojis for Visual Breaks

Emojis can be a fun and visually engaging way to create separation between content blocks. While they're not vertical dividers in the traditional sense, they add a distinct visual element that can help guide the eye.

Here's how you can use emojis:

• Place an emoji at the top of a column. You can do this by creating a text block and adding your chosen emoji.
• Repeat this down the column at regular intervals.

This method is perfect for a more casual or creative workspace. It adds personality to your Notion pages while also breaking up content visually.

Incorporating Toggle Lists

Toggle lists can also serve as a makeshift vertical divider. They add a collapsible element that can section off parts of your content, acting like a vertical line when closed.

To use toggle lists:

• Create a toggle list by typing /toggle and selecting "Toggle list."
• Add your content inside the toggle list.
• When collapsed, the toggle list acts as a vertical marker.

This approach is particularly useful for content that you want to keep organized but out of sight until needed.

Using Borders in Embedded Content

If you're embedding content from other platforms like Google Sheets or Miro, you can use these tools' border features to create a vertical divider effect within Notion.

For instance, in Google Sheets, you can:

• Create a column on the side of your data specifically for borders.
• Set the border style to be a solid line.
• Embed the Google Sheet in Notion, and the border will appear as a vertical divider.

This method is excellent for data-driven pages where visual separation is needed between different datasets.

Embedding Images as Dividers

Another creative solution is to use images as vertical dividers. You can create a simple vertical line in any image editing tool and upload it to Notion.

Here's how you can do it:

• Create an image with a vertical line using tools like Canva or Photoshop. Keep the background transparent for the best effect.
• Upload the image to Notion by dragging and dropping it into the desired location.
• Adjust the size of the image to fit your layout.

This method gives you full control over the style and color of your vertical divider, allowing for a fully customized look.

Leveraging HTML and CSS (Advanced)

For those who are a bit more tech-savvy, you can use HTML and CSS to create a vertical line effect in Notion. It requires a bit of coding knowledge but can yield excellent results.

While Notion doesn't support direct HTML/CSS input, you can create a webpage with the desired style and embed it using an embed block.

• Create a simple HTML page with your vertical line styled using CSS.
• Host this page on a platform like GitHub Pages.
• Embed the page in Notion using the embed block.

This method provides a high level of customization and is perfect for those looking to push the limits of Notion's capabilities.

Using Spell for Quick Layouts

Interestingly enough, while you're working on these layouts, you might find Spell helpful in drafting and organizing your content efficiently. With its AI-driven capabilities, Spell can save you time by helping you plan your Notion pages more effectively, letting you focus on the creative aspects like adding vertical dividers.

Mixing and Matching Techniques

The beauty of Notion lies in its flexibility. You can mix and match the techniques mentioned above to create a unique and personalized layout. For example, you can combine toggle lists with emoji dividers to add both functionality and style to your pages.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and methods. What works best will often depend on the specific content and context of your Notion page.

And remember, while Notion doesn't have built-in vertical dividers, the creative possibilities are endless. With a bit of ingenuity, you can create stunning visual layouts that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your workspace.

Final Thoughts

Adding a vertical divider in Notion might require a touch of creativity, but it's definitely achievable with the methods we've discussed. Whether you're using toggle lists, images, or a bit of HTML know-how, you can enhance your Notion pages to fit your style and needs. And speaking of enhancing productivity, Spell can be a fantastic ally, helping you draft and organize your layouts quickly and efficiently. Dive into these techniques and discover the amazing things you can create in Notion!