How to Make a Box in Notion

Notion is a versatile tool that many swear by for organizing their work, thoughts, and projects. But did you know you can make your pages even more visually appealing by adding boxes to your content? These boxes can help section off information, highlight important details, or simply make your Notion workspace look a bit more snazzy. We'll walk through how to create these boxes in Notion, using various methods to suit your needs and style. Let's get started!

Why Use Boxes in Notion?

Before we get into the how-to, let's chat about the why. Why would you want to use boxes in Notion? Well, it turns out, boxes are more than just eye candy. They can actually boost your productivity by providing a clear structure to your notes and tasks. Imagine trying to find a specific piece of information in a wall of text. Pretty daunting, right? Boxes help break up content into manageable chunks, making it easier to scan and find what you need. Plus, if you're a visual learner, having neatly sectioned content can help information stick better.

Boxes can also be used to:

• Emphasize important points: A box can draw attention to critical information or reminders.
• Organize content: Group related notes, ideas, or tasks together.
• Improve aesthetics: A well-organized page looks more professional and is a joy to use.

Now that we've established the benefits, let's dive into the different methods of creating boxes in Notion.

Method 1: Using Toggle Lists

Toggle lists are a simple way to create collapsible content sections in Notion. They're perfect for when you want to hide detailed information until you need it. Here's how you can use them:

Creating a Toggle List

• Open your Notion page where you want the box.
• Click on the page to create a new block.
• Type /toggle to create a toggle list.
• Enter a title for your toggle. This will be the clickable header for your box.
• Hit Enter and start typing the content you want inside the toggle box.

This method is great for keeping your page tidy and organized. You can even nest toggles within toggles for more detailed sections. A word of caution, though. Too many toggles can make your page feel like a maze, so use them judiciously!

Method 2: Using Callout Blocks

Callout blocks are another popular way to create boxes in Notion. They inherently come with a bit of flair, as they can include an icon that adds a splash of personality to your page.

Creating a Callout Block

• On your Notion page, click to add a new block.
• Type /callout and select the "Callout" option.
• Enter the content you want in the box. You can also click on the icon to change it to something that suits your content.

The beauty of callout blocks is their versatility. You can use them for everything from reminders to highlighting crucial information. Plus, they add a nice visual element with the icon and colored background.

Method 3: Using Quote Blocks

Quote blocks are another simple way to create a box effect in Notion. They're straightforward, but effective for drawing attention to key points or highlighting quotes. Here's how you can use them:

Creating a Quote Block

• Navigate to the Notion page where you want the quote box.
• Click to add a new block and type /quote.
• Select the "Quote" option and enter your text.

While quote blocks don't offer the same collapsibility as toggle lists or the icon flair of callout blocks, they're perfect for when you want a simple, clean box.

Method 4: Using Columns for Side-by-Side Boxes

Need to compare two items side by side? Notion's column feature is your friend. You can place boxes next to each other, perfect for comparisons or parallel content.

Creating Columns

• Create two blocks of content that you want to turn into columns.
• Drag one block next to the other until you see a blue line appear, indicating the column will be created.

Once you have columns, you can use any of the box methods (toggle, callout, or quote) within each column to organize your content further. This setup is especially helpful for layouts that require a lot of information to be displayed clearly without overwhelming the viewer.

Method 5: Using Background Colors for Visual Boxes

If you want to get a bit creative, you can use Notion's background color feature to create a "box" effect. This isn't a traditional box, but it does make content stand out.

Adding Background Colors

• Create a block of text.
• Highlight the text, click on the color button (usually an "A" with a color bar beneath it), and select a background color.

This method is more about visual separation than physical boxes but can be quite effective, especially when combined with other box types for a layered effect.

Method 6: Advanced Trick. Creating Borders

Want to take your Notion game to the next level? You can use a bit of Markdown to create borders around your text, mimicking the look of a box.

Creating Borders with Markdown

• Type a series of hyphens ---- to create a line above your content.
• Enter your content below the line.
• Type another series of hyphens ---- below your content to create a line underneath.

While this doesn't create a full box, it does provide a nice separation that can mimic a boxed effect. It's a subtle way to delineate sections.

Method 7: Embedding External Content

Sometimes, you might want to include content from outside Notion. Maybe it's a video, a map, or a document. Embedding can give you that box feel, while also making your Notion page more interactive.

Embedding Content

• Copy the embed link of the content you want to add.
• In Notion, type /embed and paste the link.
• Adjust the size and placement as needed.

Embedding is a fantastic way to keep your Notion page dynamic and engaging. It's a step beyond simple box creation but adds a whole new dimension to your workspace.

Method 8: Combining Methods for a Unique Look

Why stick to one method when you can mix and match? Combining different types of boxes in creative ways can really make your Notion page stand out.

Creative Combinations

• Use callout blocks as headers for different sections, with toggle lists underneath for collapsible content.
• Place quote blocks within columns for a side-by-side comparison.
• Add background colors to quote blocks to make them pop even more.

The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to a Notion page that's both functional and pleasing to the eye.

Method 9: Using Spell for Enhanced Productivity

While Notion is a fantastic tool on its own, sometimes you need a little extra help getting things polished quickly. That's where Spell comes in. With Spell, you can draft and edit your documents in seconds, making it the perfect companion for Notion users.

How Spell Can Help

• Fast Drafting: Describe what you want, and Spell creates a high-quality first draft.
• Easy Editing: Edit using natural language, no need to fiddle with formatting.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Share and edit documents with others seamlessly.

Using Spell alongside Notion can streamline your workflow, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Your content. Whether you're managing projects or creating a beautiful workspace, Spell can help you get there faster.

Final Thoughts

Creating boxes in Notion is a straightforward way to organize and enhance your workspace. Whether you're using toggles, callout blocks, or embedding content, there's a method to suit every need and style. And with Spell, you can take your productivity to the next level by drafting and editing documents in no time. So go ahead, give these methods a try, and see how they transform your Notion pages into organized, visually appealing masterpieces!