Notion's gallery view is a fantastic way to organize visual content, but sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're working with a ton of entries. If you're trying to declutter your workspace or just want a more compact view, you're in the right place. We'll go through some tips and tricks to make your Notion gallery view more compact, without losing its functionality or style.
Why Opt for a Smaller Gallery View?
First things first, let's talk about why you might want a smaller gallery view in the first place. Imagine you're juggling multiple projects or tasks. Having a streamlined view can make a world of difference. A smaller gallery allows you to see more content at a glance, which is perfect for those of us who like to keep things tidy and efficient.
Think of it like reorganizing a cluttered desk. You know everything's there, but a bit of tidying up can make it easier to find what you need. A compact gallery view can help you stay focused and organized, reducing the visual noise that a larger layout might create. Plus, it can be easier on the eyes, which is always a bonus if you're spending long hours working on Notion.
Adjusting Card Size
One of the simplest ways to make your gallery view smaller is by adjusting the card size. Notion allows you to control how much information is shown on each card, which can help you make the view more compact. Here's how you can do it:
- Open your gallery: Click on the gallery view you want to adjust.
- Access view options: Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your gallery view. This will open the view options menu.
- Adjust card size: In the menu, you will find an option for card size. Choose a smaller size if you want to fit more cards on the screen.
This method is straightforward and can make a significant difference in how much content you see at once. Smaller cards mean more entries on your screen, which is ideal for browsing through multiple items quickly.
Using Toggles and Collapsible Sections
Now, if you want to take things a step further, consider using toggles and collapsible sections within your gallery cards. This way, you can keep additional information hidden until you need it, keeping your view neat and organized.
Toggles are a great way to store extra data without cluttering your initial view. For example, you might have a project with several tasks. Each task can be a toggle within a card, allowing you to expand it only when you want to see the details.
Here's a quick guide on using toggles:
- Create a toggle: Inside a card, type
/toggle
to add a toggle list. - Add content: Fill in the toggle with the information you want to keep hidden initially.
- Collapse it: Click the toggle to collapse or expand your content as needed.
This method makes it easy to keep your gallery clean and free of distraction, while still having access to all the details when you need them.

Reducing Image Size
Images can be a significant factor in how much space your gallery view takes up. If your cards contain images, reducing their size can help make the gallery more compact. Notion doesn't directly offer image resizing in the gallery view, but you can manage how images are displayed.
Here's what you can do:
- Use smaller images: Before uploading, resize images to a smaller resolution. This requires some external editing but can make a huge difference.
- Adjust image display: When adding images, choose how they're displayed (full width, inline, etc.). Opt for smaller display settings.
By managing image sizes and display options, you can maintain a visual-rich gallery without taking up unnecessary space.
Leveraging Filters for a Cleaner View
Filters are your best friend for maintaining a tidy gallery view. By setting up filters, you can control what is visible at any given time, keeping your focus on what matters most.
Here's how to set up filters:
- Open filter options: Click on the three dots in your gallery view and select "Filter."
- Add a filter: Choose the criteria for filtering your content. This could be a tag, status, or any property relevant to your workspace.
- Apply the filter: Once set, your gallery will only show items that meet the filter criteria, reducing clutter.
Filters are especially useful if you have a large database but only need to focus on specific entries at a time. They allow you to switch between different views without changing the database structure, providing flexibility and control.
Customizing Properties Displayed on Cards
Another way to make your gallery view smaller is by customizing which properties are displayed on the cards. This way, you can hide less important information and only show the key details you need.
Here's how you can customize properties:
- Access properties: Click on the three dots in your gallery view and select "Properties."
- Select properties: Choose which properties you want to display on the cards. Toggle off any that are not essential.
Focusing on the most critical information helps in reducing clutter and making your gallery view more concise and manageable.
Optimizing Layout with Columns
Using columns within your gallery can help optimize space and make your layout more efficient. By grouping related items into columns, you create a more organized visual structure.
Here's how you can set this up:
- Create a column layout: Use the drag-and-drop feature to move items into different columns.
- Adjust column width: Click and drag the border between columns to resize them as needed.
Columns help in grouping similar items, reducing visual clutter, and enhancing the overall usability of your gallery view.
Utilizing Spell for Efficiency
While customizing your Notion gallery view, it's also worth considering Spell for creating and managing your content efficiently. Spell is an AI document editor that turns hours or days of work into minutes. You can generate drafts in seconds with AI, edit them using natural language prompts, and work with your team in real time. It's like Google Docs, but with AI that helps you draft, refine, and improve your writing as you go.
For instance, when you're working on a document that needs frequent updates or collaboration, Spell can streamline the process by allowing you to edit using natural language. This reduces the time spent on formatting and ensures that you're focused on content creation rather than technical adjustments.


Fine-Tuning with Advanced Settings
Notion offers some advanced settings that can help fine-tune your gallery view even further. While these options might seem a bit more complex, they can significantly enhance your workspace efficiency.
For example, you can explore database settings to adjust how entries are sorted or grouped within the gallery view. This provides a more tailored approach to how your data is presented and accessed.
Consider these advanced options:
- Sorting: Arrange your entries based on a property, such as date or priority, to ensure the most relevant items are easily accessible.
- Grouping: Group items by category or status, creating a more structured and intuitive layout.
By leveraging these advanced settings, you can create a gallery view that truly fits your workflow and helps you stay organized in the most efficient way possible.
Final Thoughts
Making the gallery view smaller in Notion can greatly improve your workflow by minimizing distractions and keeping your workspace tidy. By adjusting card sizes, using toggles, and filtering content, you can create a more efficient view that matches your needs. Additionally, utilizing tools like Spell can further enhance your productivity, allowing you to focus on the content rather than the formatting. With these strategies, you'll find managing your Notion space a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.