Notion

How to Divide Blocks in Notion

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Notion

Notion, with its flexible and user-friendly interface, has become a go-to tool for many who want to manage their work and personal projects efficiently. One of its standout features is the ability to divide blocks, which allows you to organize content in a way that makes sense for your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned user or just getting started, understanding how to divide blocks can enhance your productivity and creativity in Notion. Let's get into the details and explore how you can make the most out of this feature.

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Getting Started with Notion Blocks

Before diving into the intricacies of dividing blocks, it's important to have a basic understanding of what a block is in Notion. Think of blocks as the building blocks of your Notion pages. Each piece of content, whether it's a paragraph, heading, image, or to-do list, is considered a block. This modular approach allows you to move, duplicate, and customize content easily.

Blocks are incredibly versatile. You can transform a simple text block into a bulleted list or a numbered list with just a click. This flexibility is one of the reasons Notion stands out from other productivity tools. Whether you're drafting an essay or managing a project, blocks make it easy to organize your thoughts and tasks.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at how to divide these blocks to create a well-structured and visually appealing document or workspace.

How to Use Columns to Divide Blocks

One of the most visually impactful ways to divide blocks in Notion is by using columns. Columns allow you to present information side-by-side, which can be particularly useful for comparing data, creating dashboards, or even designing aesthetically pleasing layouts.

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating columns:

  1. Select the blocks you want to arrange into columns. You can do this by clicking and dragging your cursor over the blocks.
  2. Drag the blocks to the right of another block until you see a blue line indicating where the block will be placed.
  3. Release the mouse button to place the block alongside the other, forming a column.

It's that simple! You can adjust the width of each column by dragging the divider between them. This feature is handy for creating layouts that are tailored to your specific needs.

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Using Dividers for Clarity

Dividers are another useful tool in Notion for organizing your content. They help break up large sections of text, making it easier for viewers to digest the information. Dividers are particularly effective in lengthy documents where visual breaks can enhance readability.

To insert a divider in Notion, follow these steps:

  • Place your cursor where you want the divider to appear.
  • Type --- (three hyphens) and press Enter.

Voilla! A clean line appears, segmenting your content. It's a simple yet powerful way to organize information, especially in reports or detailed notes.

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Combining Text and Media Blocks

Combining text and media blocks effectively can create a dynamic and engaging Notion page. Whether you're embedding images, videos, or even code snippets, Notion makes it seamless to integrate various types of content into your pages.

To add media:

  1. Click the + button beside any block to open the block menu.
  2. Select the type of media you wish to add, such as an image, video, or file.
  3. Upload or link the media file you wish to incorporate.

Placing these media blocks alongside text can enhance the narrative you're creating, providing a richer context to your audience. For instance, if you're documenting a project, adding images of your progress can be extremely helpful.

Combining different block types not only enhances the visual appeal but also aids in storytelling, allowing you to present information in a more comprehensive way.

Creating Toggle Lists for Interactive Content

If you're looking to create interactive documents, toggle lists are a feature you won't want to miss. Toggle lists allow you to hide and reveal content with a simple click, which is ideal for FAQs, study guides, or detailed instructions that readers might not need to see all at once.

To create a toggle list:

  • Click the + button beside any block to open the block menu.
  • Select Toggle list from the options.
  • Enter the summary or question that will be visible when the toggle is closed.
  • Click inside the toggle to add more blocks with the detailed content you want to hide.

Toggle lists are fantastic for keeping your Notion pages clean and organized without sacrificing the depth of information. They make it easy for users to find what they're looking for without wading through paragraphs of text.

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Using Databases to Organize Information

Databases in Notion are like spreadsheets on steroids. They allow you to structure and analyze data in various ways, making them perfect for project management, CRM systems, or content calendars.

Here's how you can set up a simple database:

  1. Click the + button beside any block to open the block menu.
  2. Select Table, Board, List, or another database type.
  3. Customize the columns and rows to fit the data you're working with.

Databases can be filtered, sorted, and viewed in multiple formats, providing a dynamic way to interact with your data. Plus, you can link databases to other pages or integrate them with other tools, increasing their functionality even further.

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Customizing with Templates

Templates can save you a ton of time in Notion, especially if you find yourself repeatedly creating the same types of documents. Whether it's meeting notes, project trackers, or personal journals, templates provide a starting point that's easy to customize.

To use a template in Notion:

  • Click on Templates in the left sidebar.
  • Browse through the available templates or create your own by clicking New Template.
  • Customize the template to suit your needs and start filling it with content.

Templates not only help maintain consistency across your documents but also ensure that you don't forget any critical elements when setting up new pages.

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Enhancing Productivity with Linked Databases

Linked databases are a powerful feature in Notion that allows you to display and interact with data from one database in multiple places. This can be particularly useful for maintaining consistency across various projects or tracking progress in different areas.

Here's how you can create a linked database:

  1. Type /linked database in the block where you want to create a new link.
  2. Select the database you want to link from the list.
  3. Customize the view to suit your needs, whether it's a table, list, or calendar.

Linked databases ensure that changes made in one place are reflected everywhere, reducing the risk of inconsistencies and errors. This is particularly beneficial for teams that need to keep everyone updated without duplicating efforts.

For those who thrive on collaboration, Spell's real-time document editing can make managing linked databases even more efficient, allowing teams to work together seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Dividing blocks in Notion is a fantastic way to organize and present information effectively. From using columns and dividers to incorporating databases and templates, these techniques can elevate your Notion experience. For those looking to further streamline their document creation process, Spell offers a unique AI-driven approach, enhancing the way you draft, edit, and collaborate on documents. By integrating these techniques into your workflow, you can achieve a more organized and productive work environment.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.