Working in Notion can be a game-changer for organizing your ideas and tasks, but sometimes navigating its features can feel a bit like being in a maze. One of the questions that often pops up is how to exit full screen mode. If you've ever found yourself stuck trying to figure this out, you're definitely not alone! In this post, we'll walk through the steps to get you back to your regular view and explore a few related tips and tricks to make your Notion experience even smoother.
Getting Out of Full Screen Mode
Let's start with the basics. Notion is pretty intuitive once you get the hang of it, but exiting full screen might not be immediately obvious if you're new to the platform. Here's the simple way to do it:
- First, look for the Exit Full Screen button. It's usually at the top-right corner of your screen. Clicking this button will take you back to the regular view.
- If the button isn't visible, try pressing the Esc key on your keyboard. This is a quick shortcut that works in many applications to exit full screen mode.
- For users who love keyboard shortcuts, another option is pressing Ctrl + Command + F on a Mac or F11 on Windows. These shortcuts toggle the full screen mode on and off.
It's as simple as that! Once you've mastered these steps, you'll be able to switch views without a second thought.
Why Use Full Screen Mode?
Now, you might be wondering why you'd even want to use full screen mode in the first place. Well, there are a few reasons why it can be beneficial:
- Focus: By eliminating distractions, full screen mode allows you to concentrate fully on the task at hand. Think of it as a digital version of putting on blinders.
- Maximize Space: If you're working on a small screen or need to view a lot of information at once, full screen mode utilizes the entire display, making it easier to see everything.
- Immersive Experience: Sometimes, you just want to dive deep into your work without interruptions. Full screen mode can give you that immersive feeling.
While it's great for focus and maximizing space, knowing how to exit full screen smoothly is essential for when you need to switch gears or multitask.
Common Scenarios for Exiting Full Screen
There are plenty of situations where you might need to hop out of full screen mode. Here are some common ones:
- Switching Tasks: You might need to access another app or web browser to gather more information or switch to another project.
- Notifications: When you receive an important notification, you may need to leave full screen to respond promptly.
- Collaborating: If you're working with a team, you might need to exit full screen mode to communicate or share information more easily.
In each of these cases, knowing how to quickly exit full screen mode will help you stay agile and responsive.

Exploring Notion's Interface
Let's take a moment to talk about Notion's interface. Understanding the layout can make finding the full screen button or any other feature a breeze.
Notion is designed to be clean and minimalistic, which is great for keeping your workspace clutter-free. Here are a few key elements:
- Side Panel: This is where you'll find your pages and databases. You can hide or show this panel as needed.
- Top Bar: This bar usually contains the name of your document, along with options like sharing and exporting. It's also where you'll find the full screen toggle.
- Content Area: This is the main workspace where you'll be doing most of your work.
By familiarizing yourself with these areas, you can navigate Notion more confidently and efficiently.
Customizing Your Workspace
One of the beauties of Notion is its customization potential. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can start tailoring your workspace to better suit your needs.
Here are a few customization tips:
- Templates: Notion offers a variety of templates for everything from project management to personal journaling. Using templates can save you a lot of setup time.
- Widgets: Add widgets to your pages for quick access to calendars, to-do lists, and more. This can help centralize your workflow.
- Color-Coding: Use colors to organize and categorize information. This visual aid can make navigating your workspace much faster.
These customizations can enhance your productivity and make your Notion experience more enjoyable.
Integrating Other Tools with Notion
Notion doesn't have to work alone. It can integrate with various other tools to streamline your workflow. For instance, you can connect your Notion account to Google Calendar to keep track of appointments and deadlines directly from your Notion dashboard.
Here's how to set up a Google Calendar integration:
- Head to the Notion page where you want to embed your calendar.
- Click on the + button to add a new block.
- Choose the Embed option and paste your Google Calendar shareable link.
- Hit Enter and voila! Your calendar should now be visible within Notion.
Integrating tools like Google Calendar not only saves time but also ensures you're always in sync with your schedule.
Taking Advantage of Spell
While Notion is fantastic for organization, if you're looking to elevate your document creation game, Spell could be your next step. Spell is like having a turbo-boost for your document drafting and editing process. Imagine being able to draft, edit, and refine documents using AI without breaking a sweat.
Here's how Spell fits in:
- Drafting: Describe your document needs, and Spell generates a polished first draft super quickly.
- Editing: Use natural language prompts to refine your documents. No more tedious back-and-forth with formatting issues.
- Collaboration: Work with your team in real-time, just like in Google Docs, but with the added power of AI.
With Spell, you can turn hours of work into minutes, making it an invaluable tool for anyone serious about productivity.
Using Notion on Different Devices
Notion isn't just for desktop use. It's versatile enough to work seamlessly across various devices, including smartphones and tablets. Here's how you can make the most of it:
- Desktop Application: This is ideal for in-depth work sessions where you need full access to all features.
- Mobile App: Perfect for quick updates on the go. Whether you're commuting or taking a break, you can jot down ideas or check off tasks with ease.
- Web Version: If you're using a shared computer or just prefer browsing, the web version provides flexibility without needing to download the app.
Each platform has its strengths, and switching between them can help you maintain productivity no matter where you are.


Keeping Your Notion Organized
Once you've got the hang of using Notion, keeping your workspace organized becomes essential. Here are a few strategies to keep chaos at bay:
- Naming Conventions: Develop a system for naming your pages and databases. Consistency will make it easier to locate what you need.
- Archiving: Regularly review and archive old projects. This keeps your workspace uncluttered and focused on current tasks.
- Regular Clean-Up: Set aside time each week to organize your pages and checklists. This small effort can save you from future headaches.
Staying organized in Notion will not only improve your workflow but also enhance your overall productivity.
Final Thoughts
Exiting full screen in Notion is a simple process once you know where to look. By mastering this and other Notion features, you can enhance your workflow and productivity. As you explore more, consider how Spell can further streamline your document creation and editing processes, making your work faster and more efficient. Happy organizing!