How to Split a Notion Page Vertically

Notion is a great tool for organizing your thoughts, tasks, and projects all in one place. But what if you want to split a Notion page vertically? Whether you're looking to create a side-by-side comparison, a task list next to your notes, or even a simple two-column layout for better readability, Notion has got you covered. Let's walk through how you can achieve this in a few easy steps, and throw in some tips along the way to make your Notion workspace even more effective.

Getting Started with Columns in Notion

First things first, let's talk about the basics of creating columns in Notion. Unlike traditional word processors, Notion doesn't have a direct "column" feature, but it does allow you to drag and drop blocks to create a column layout. If you've ever played around with Lego blocks, it's a bit like that, only digital.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Create Your Blocks: Start by adding some blocks to your page. You can add text, to-do lists, images, or any other type of block you need.
• Drag to Create Columns: Hover over the left side of a block until you see the six-dots icon. Click and hold that icon, then drag the block next to another block. Notion will automatically create a column for you.
• Adjust the Width: You can adjust the width of your columns by dragging the right edge of a block. This is particularly handy if you want one column to be wider than the other.

There you go! You've just created a column in Notion. It's a simple yet powerful feature that can really change how you organize information on a page.

Using Columns for Better Organization

Now that you know how to make columns, let's talk about why you might want to use them. Columns can be a lifesaver for keeping related information together while allowing you to see everything at a glance. Here are a few examples:

• Task Lists and Notes: Use one column for your task list and another for notes. This way, you can easily see what needs to be done alongside any relevant information.
• Comparisons: If you're comparing two things. Like pros and cons, or features of different products. Columns make it easy to see both sides side-by-side.
• Design Layouts: If you're working on a design, you could use columns to show different components or stages of your design process.

By using columns, you're essentially creating a mini dashboard right within your Notion page. It can make a world of difference in how you process and manage information.

Adding More Complexity with Nested Columns

Feeling adventurous? Let's add a layer of complexity with nested columns. Yes, you can take it up a notch by having columns within columns. Here's how you can do it:

• Create a Main Column: Start by creating a basic column layout as described earlier.
• Add Sub-columns: Inside one of the main columns, add more blocks. Drag one of these blocks next to another to create a sub-column within the main column.
• Organize: You can shuffle these sub-columns around just like you did with the main columns. It's a bit like organizing a toolbox, where each drawer has its own compartments.

Using nested columns is great for more complex projects where you need to categorize information further. Just keep in mind that going too deep might make things cluttered, so balance is key.

Maintaining Readability with Columns

One thing to watch out for when creating columns is readability. While columns can make information more accessible, they can also cause confusion if not used correctly. Here are a few tips to keep your columns easy to read:

• Keep it Simple: Avoid over-complicating your page with too many columns. Stick to two or three columns at most, unless you really need more.
• Consistent Widths: Try to keep your columns at a consistent width. This makes it easier for your eyes to scan across the page.
• Use Headings: Use headings to separate different sections within your columns. This helps break the information into digestible chunks.

In essence, columns are a tool to make your Notion experience smoother and more intuitive, not to overwhelm you with information overload.

Using Columns for Project Management

Columns are particularly useful for project management in Notion. If you're managing a project, you can use columns to keep track of tasks, timelines, and resources all in one place. Here's a practical example:

• Task Column: List all your tasks with checkboxes. This is your go-to list for what needs to be done.
• Timeline Column: Add a timeline or calendar view so you can see deadlines and milestones at a glance.
• Resources Column: Keep a list of links, documents, or notes that are relevant to the project.

By using this setup, you create a comprehensive project management hub that gives you a bird's eye view of everything you need to know.

Creating Visual Appeal with Columns

Columns aren't just functional - they can also make your Notion pages look visually appealing. Here are a few ways to make your columns pop:

• Color Coding: Use colored blocks or headers to differentiate sections. A splash of color can do wonders for both aesthetics and navigation.
• Icons and Emojis: Place icons or emojis in your headers. They add a touch of personality and make the page more engaging.
• Images: Include images in your columns to break up text and add visual interest.

By focusing on visual elements, you can make your Notion pages not just useful, but also a pleasure to look at.

Collaborating with Columns

One of Notion's strengths is collaboration. When working in a team, columns can help keep everyone on the same page. Literally. Here's how you can utilize columns for team projects:

• Assign Responsibilities: Use a column to assign tasks and responsibilities to team members. This provides clarity on who is doing what.
• Feedback and Comments: Reserve a column for feedback and comments. This way, everyone knows where to look for updates or suggestions.
• Progress Tracking: Use columns to track progress. Have a column for tasks that are in progress, completed, or need review.

Columns can make collaboration more efficient by giving structure to your team's workflow and keeping everything organized.

Saving Time with Spell

We all want to save time, right? That's where Spell comes in. Imagine having an AI-powered assistant that helps you draft, refine, and improve your documents in real-time. It's like having a co-pilot for your writing tasks. Spell can help you generate drafts, refine content, and share your documents effortlessly, turning hours of work into mere minutes.

By integrating Spell into your workflow, you can focus more on the creative aspects of your projects while leaving the repetitive tasks to AI. It's like having a digital assistant that's got your back, helping you get from idea to polished document in no time.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While columns can be incredibly useful, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these can make your Notion experience smoother:

• Overcomplicating Layouts: It's tempting to keep adding columns, but too many can make the page cluttered and hard to navigate.
• Ignoring Mobile Views: Remember that what looks great on a desktop might not translate well to a mobile device. Test your layout on different screens.
• Forgetting Context: When collaborating, make sure to add context to your columns, so everyone understands the purpose of each section.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you can create Notion pages that are both functional and user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Splitting a Notion page vertically can change how you organize and interact with your information. Whether you're using columns for project management, design layouts, or simply to make your notes more readable, they offer a flexible way to enhance your productivity. And speaking of productivity, Spell can help you streamline your document creation process, turning hours of work into minutes with AI-powered assistance. Happy organizing!