Spencer Lanoue
Notion is a fantastic tool for organizing everything from personal notes to entire company workflows. Let's be honest. The default narrow page view can feel a bit cramped for some of us. If you've been yearning for a full-width view every time you open a new page, you're not alone. Today, we're going to walk through how to make full width the default view in Notion, sharing some useful tips and tricks along the way.
Why Full Width Matters
Let's start with why you might want to go full width. For those who juggle a ton of information, whether it's detailed tables, extensive databases, or a mix of images and text, the extra space can make a world of difference. It's like taking your work from a tiny desk to a spacious conference table where you can spread out comfortably. You'll find that having more room to work with enhances readability and lets you visualize your data more effectively.
Plus, for those who are aesthetically inclined, a full-width page often just looks nicer. It gives your workspace a cleaner, more modern feel. On the other hand, if you're someone who uses Notion for writing or note-taking, the narrow view might feel restrictive. Thankfully, Notion offers an option to switch to full width, and we'll explore how to make this your go-to setup.
Switching to Full Width in Notion
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of making full width your default. Notion doesn't offer a direct way to set full width as the default for all pages, but here's a workaround using templates. Before we dive into that, though, here's how you can manually switch a page to full width:
- Open any Notion page.
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner (also known as the More menu).
- In the menu that appears, toggle on the Full Width option.
Simple, right? This will immediately expand your page, giving you plenty of room to breathe. But doing this every time can be a drag, which is why templates are such a lifesaver.
Creating a Full-Width Template
Templates in Notion are like your personal blueprint. They help you start off with a set structure, and you can customize them as you see fit. Here's how you can create a template that uses the full-width view:
- Create a New Page: Start by creating a new page in Notion. Name it something like "Full-Width Template" so you can easily find it later.
- Set the Page to Full Width: Just like before, click the three dots in the upper-right corner and toggle on the Full Width option.
- Design Your Template: Add any elements you frequently use, such as tables, text blocks, or images. This will save you time every time you start a new project.
- Save as Template: Once you're happy with your setup, click the Templates button in the top-right corner of the page. Follow the prompts to save your page as a template.
With this template, you're just a click away from a full-width page every time you start a new project. But what if you're working with existing pages? Let's tackle that next.
Applying Full Width to Existing Pages
If you've already got a bunch of pages set up in Notion that you'd like to switch to full width, don't worry. It's easy to adjust them individually. Here's how:
- Open the page you want to modify.
- Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
- Toggle on the Full Width option.
While this method works great for individual pages, it might feel a bit repetitive if you've got a whole database of pages to modify. Unfortunately, Notion doesn't offer a batch option for this, but using templates for future pages can prevent this hassle down the line.
How Templates Can Streamline Your Workflow
By now, you're probably seeing the value of templates beyond just achieving a full-width view. They can massively streamline your workflow. Imagine starting every project with the exact setup you need, without having to rearrange elements or resize your page. This is where templates shine.
For those of us who work collaboratively, templates ensure consistency across team members. Everyone starts with the same layout, which can be a huge time-saver when you're trying to keep everyone on the same page. Plus, if you're using a tool like Spell, you can easily enhance your Notion pages with AI-powered editing, making document preparation even faster.
Embedding Content in Full Width
What about embedding content? Whether it's Google Docs, YouTube videos, or other web links, Notion makes embedding a breeze. Here's how to make sure your embeds take full advantage of your full-width layout:
- Copy the Embed Link: Head to the content you want to embed, such as a Google Doc, and copy the shareable link.
- Paste into Notion: Go back to your Notion page and paste the link directly where you want it.
- Adjust the Size: Once embedded, click on the embed to adjust its size. In a full-width view, you'll have more flexibility to make your embedded content larger, matching the expansive space available.
Using a full-width view with embedded content can enhance your visual layout and make presentations or documents much more engaging.
Leveraging Full Width for Data Visualization
When it comes to data visualization, full width is your best friend. If you're using Notion to track projects, analyze data, or even manage personal tasks, having the extra space is invaluable. Here are a few ways to leverage that space:
- Tables and Databases: With full width, you can fit more columns and see more data at a glance.
- Charts and Graphs: If you're embedding charts or graphs, the additional width gives you more room to display detailed visuals.
- Kanban Boards: For project management, full width allows more cards to be visible at once, making it easier to track tasks and progress.
These tools can transform how you interact with your data, making it more intuitive and visually appealing. And if you're using Spell, you can quickly generate reports or summaries from your data, saving you even more time.
Customizing Your Notion Workspace
Beyond full width, customizing your Notion workspace can make it feel like your own. Here are a few tips:
- Themes and Colors: Use Notion's color-coding options to organize your pages and sections visually.
- Icons and Covers: Add icons and cover images to your pages for quick identification and a personal touch.
- Widgets: Incorporate widgets like calendars, clocks, or weather updates to keep important information front and center.
These small tweaks can make a big difference in how you interact with Notion daily. A personalized workspace can boost your productivity and make daily tasks more enjoyable.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
As you tweak your Notion setup, there are a couple of common pitfalls you might encounter:
- Overcomplicating Templates: It's tempting to add everything you might need to a template, but this can make them unwieldy. Keep them focused on the essentials.
- Ignoring Mobile Views: Remember that full width on a desktop might not translate well to a phone. Test your pages on different devices to ensure they're still user-friendly.
- Forgetting to Update Old Pages: If you've switched to using templates, make sure older pages are updated to maintain consistency.
By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure your Notion workspace remains efficient and effective.
Full Width and Collaboration
When working in teams, full width can offer a better collaborative experience. Here's how:
- Shared Pages: When everyone accesses the same full-width pages, it's easier to follow along during meetings or discussions.
- Comments and Feedback: More space means comments can be more detailed without cluttering the main content.
- Real-Time Editing: With apps like Spell, you can edit documents together in real time, making collaboration seamless and efficient.
These benefits make full width a great choice for anyone involved in teamwork or collaborative projects.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a full-width view in Notion can transform how you work, providing more space to think, create, and collaborate. While Notion doesn't let you set full width as a default, using templates is a great workaround. Plus, with tools like Spell, we can make document creation and collaboration even faster and more efficient. Give these tips a try and see how they can enhance your productivity!
