Notion is a favorite tool for many because of its flexibility and ability to bring all your work into one space. But when it comes to arranging images side by side, things can get a bit tricky. Whether you're creating a visually appealing gallery or just trying to make your notes more visual, putting images next to each other can be a game-changer. Let's break down the process step-by-step and get those images aligned just the way you want them.
The Basics of Adding Images in Notion
First things first, let's get familiar with adding images in Notion. It's pretty straightforward, but if you're new to the platform, it might take a minute to get the hang of it. Here's how you can add an image to your Notion page:
- Drag and Drop: You can easily drag an image from your desktop right onto your Notion page.
- Upload Option: Click on the "+" sign that appears when you hover over the left edge of your page. Select "Image" from the drop-down menu and upload your image.
- Embed Link: If your image is online, you can choose "Embed Link" from the same menu and paste the URL of your image.
Once you've added an image, you'll see some basic options like resizing, adding a caption, or aligning the image. But how do you place images next to each other? That's where columns come into play.
Understanding Columns in Notion
Notion doesn't have a traditional grid system like some other tools. It does allow you to create columns, which is key for placing images side by side. Columns in Notion are made by dragging and dropping blocks next to each other. Here's how it works:
- Insert Your First Image: Start by adding your first image to the page.
- Add a New Image: Add another image below the first one. You can do this by clicking the "+" button and selecting "Image" again.
- Drag to Create Columns: Click and hold the six dots that appear to the left of your second image block. Drag it to the right of the first image until you see a blue line indicating where the column will form, then release.
Voila! You've created a column. You can continue adding more images in the same way, dragging them beside the existing ones to form additional columns.
Adjusting Column Widths
Now that you have your images side by side, you might want to adjust the widths of these columns to better fit your page design. Notion automatically distributes the space evenly between columns, but you can manually adjust them:
- Hover and Drag: Move your cursor between the columns. You'll see a vertical line appear. Click and drag to adjust the width to your liking.
- Equal Distribution: If you want all columns to be the same width, make sure to adjust each one to match.
This flexibility allows you to play around with the layout until it fits your vision perfectly. You can mix and match different sizes to create a dynamic look or keep everything uniform for a clean appearance.

Incorporating Text and Other Elements
Images alone might not be enough for your Notion page. Maybe you want to add text, headings, or other elements to complement your visuals. The good news is that you can add just about anything next to your images:
- Add Text Blocks: Just like with images, you can drag text blocks next to your image blocks to create columns.
- Mix Elements: Combine different types of blocks, such as checklists, bullet points, or even other embedded content.
- Use Headers: Insert headers above or below your images to provide context or titles, maintaining the overall structure of your page.
This ability to mix and match content types is one of Notion's strengths, allowing for a rich and interactive page design.
Creating Visual Storytelling with Images
Images are powerful storytelling tools. By arranging images side by side in Notion, you can create compelling visual narratives:
- Sequential Storytelling: Use columns to show a sequence of events or steps in a process.
- Comparative Layouts: Place before and after images side by side to highlight changes or improvements.
- Gallery Displays: Create a mini gallery by placing several images next to each other, perfect for showcasing photography or design work.
These techniques can bring your Notion pages to life, making them not only functional but also visually engaging.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when placing images next to each other in Notion:
- Images Not Aligning: If your images won't sit next to each other, ensure there's enough space on the page. Try reducing the size of the images or adjusting the page width.
- Columns Not Forming: Make sure you're dragging the block to the right position. The blue line is your friend. It shows where the new column will appear.
- Content Overlapping: If elements overlap, double-check the column widths. Sometimes adjusting the spacing can solve this problem.
With a little patience and practice, you'll be able to resolve these issues and have your images neatly aligned.
Enhancing Your Workflow with Spell
While Notion is great for organizing and displaying content, creating and editing documents can sometimes take a while. That's where Spell comes in. If you're dealing with a lot of written content alongside your images, Spell can be a lifesaver. It allows you to create and edit high-quality documents quickly, all within a single platform.
Imagine having AI at your fingertips to help draft, refine, and polish your documents, making the process faster and more efficient. With Spell, you can write and edit documents 10x faster, saving time and reducing stress.
Optimize Image Quality in Notion
When working with images in Notion, you want to make sure they look their best. High-quality images can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic of your page. Here are a few tips to optimize your images:
- Use High-Resolution Images: Make sure the images you upload are of high quality to avoid pixelation.
- Consider File Size: Large files can slow down page loading times. Try to balance quality with file size.
- Consistent Aspect Ratios: Keeping images in similar aspect ratios can make your layout look more cohesive.
These small tweaks can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your Notion pages, ensuring everything looks crisp and professional.
Experimenting with Layouts for Maximum Impact
One of the best things about Notion is its flexibility. Don't be afraid to experiment with different layouts to find what works best for your content. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Alternating Columns: Mix text and images in alternating columns for a dynamic look.
- Symmetrical Design: Keep things balanced by mirroring your columns, which can be visually pleasing.
- Asymmetrical Arrangements: Break the mold with asymmetrical layouts that draw the eye and create interest.
Trying out various layouts can help you discover new ways to present your content effectively, making your Notion pages not only functional but also visually stunning.


Collaborating with Others in Notion
Notion isn't just about individual work. It's also a fantastic platform for collaboration. When working with others, you might need to share your image layouts and get feedback. Here's how collaboration can enhance your Notion experience:
- Share Your Pages: Easily share your Notion pages with teammates or friends by inviting them to view or edit.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Work together in real-time, making adjustments to image layouts and content simultaneously.
- Feedback and Suggestions: Use comment features to provide feedback or suggest changes in a collaborative environment.
By leveraging Notion's collaborative features, you can enhance your projects, making them more dynamic and inclusive.
Using Spell for Collaborative Document Creation
Speaking of collaboration, Spell offers real-time collaboration features that are perfect for teams or groups working on documents together. With Spell, you can share documents, edit simultaneously, and see updates live - all with the added benefit of AI assistance.
This makes it easier to create cohesive, high-quality documents quickly and efficiently, saving time and reducing the potential for errors. Plus, it eliminates the need to juggle multiple tools, keeping everything organized in one place.
Final Thoughts
Arranging images next to each other in Notion can elevate your content, making it more engaging and visually appealing. With a bit of practice and creativity, you can create stunning layouts that complement your work. When it comes to crafting and refining documents, Spell is there to help you create high-quality content faster and more efficiently, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your productivity.