Notion is a wonderful tool for organizing work and ideas, but sometimes, its features can get in the way. Take spell check, for instance. It's useful for catching typos, but there are times when it can become a distraction, especially if you're working with jargon, code snippets, or creative writing where non-standard words are part of the process. Let's walk through how you can turn off spell check in Notion, along with a few tips and tricks to streamline your Notion experience.
Why Turn Off Spell Check?
Before we get into the steps, it's worth examining why you might want to turn off spell check in Notion. Spell check is great for catching errors and maintaining a level of professionalism in formal documents. But there are definite scenarios where it might become more of a nuisance than a help.
- Technical Documents: If you're working with technical documents filled with code snippets, spell check can highlight almost every other word. This can clutter your workspace and make it hard to focus on the actual task.
- Creative Writing: Writers often use non-standard language, invented terms, or even incorrect spellings for effect. Having these consistently flagged can interrupt the flow of creativity.
- Multilingual Work: If you're working with multiple languages, spell check can struggle to keep up, marking correct words in one language as incorrect in another.
- Aesthetic Reasons: Some people simply find the red underlines distracting and prefer a cleaner workspace.
Whatever your reason, turning off spell check can help you tailor Notion to better fit your needs.
Turning Off Spell Check in Notion
Unfortunately, Notion doesn't have an in-built feature specifically for turning off spell check across your entire workspace. This feature is something that many users have requested. As of now, it's not natively supported. However, there are workarounds you can use depending on your operating system and browser. Let's take a look at these.
Using Google Chrome
If you're using Notion in Google Chrome, you can disable spell check directly from the browser. Here's how you can do it:
- Open Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Go to Settings and then scroll down to find Advanced.
- Under the Languages section, look for Spell Check.
- Toggle the switch to turn off spell check. This will disable spell checking across all sites you visit, including Notion.
Disabling spell check in Chrome will affect all websites, so remember to turn it back on if you need it for other tasks.
Using Firefox
If Firefox is your browser of choice, you can turn off spell check with just a few clicks:
- Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Select Options from the menu.
- Go to the General tab and scroll down to the Language and Appearance section.
- Uncheck the box next to Check your spelling as you type.
Like with Chrome, this setting applies to all websites, not just Notion.
Using Safari
For Mac users utilizing Safari, here's how you can disable spell check:
- Open Safari and click on Safari in the top menu bar.
- Go to Preferences and then click on the Auto-Correct tab.
- Uncheck the option for Correct spelling automatically.
This will disable spell checking across all sites viewed in Safari.
Desktop Notion App
If you're using the Notion desktop app, the process is a little different. Since the app uses your computer's built-in spell check, you'll need to adjust your system settings.

On Windows
- Open the Windows Start menu and click on Settings.
- Navigate to Devices and then click on Typing.
- Find the option for Autocorrect misspelled words and Highlight misspelled words, and toggle them off.
This turns off spell check for the entire system, including the Notion app.
On macOS
- Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu.
- Click on Keyboard and then the Text tab.
- Uncheck the box for Correct spelling automatically.
This will apply to all applications on your Mac, including Notion.
Considerations for Teams
If you're working in a team setting, turning off spell check might not be the best option for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:
- Consistency: If your team relies on specific terminologies, it might be helpful to create a shared glossary that everyone can refer to, allowing the team to use the same language without worrying about spell check.
- Communication: Make sure to communicate with your team about any changes you make that might affect shared documents. This way, everyone stays on the same page.
- Training: Offering a quick training session on how to customize settings can empower team members to tailor their Notion experience according to their needs.
Alternatives to Turning Off Spell Check
Sometimes, turning off spell check entirely might not be the best solution. Here are a few alternatives you might consider:
Using Spell
With Spell, you get an AI-powered document editor that helps you manage your writing tasks smoothly. Spell can create drafts, edit, and collaborate in real-time, making it a more integrated solution than toggling spell check on and off. Plus, it offers smart suggestions that go beyond simple spell checking, enhancing your overall writing process.
Custom Dictionaries
Most browsers and operating systems allow you to add words to a custom dictionary. This means you can add your frequently used terms, jargon, or creative spellings, and they won't be flagged as errors.
Feedback from Peers
Instead of relying solely on automated spell check, consider peer reviews as part of your editing process. Having another set of eyes can catch errors that spell check might miss, and provide more nuanced feedback.
Creating a More Focused Workspace
Turning off spell check is just one way to create a workspace that minimizes distractions. Here are a few other tips to enhance your focus while using Notion:
- Use Toggles: Collapsible toggles are a great way to hide information until you need it, keeping your workspace clean and organized.
- Color Coding: Use different colors for headers, text, or backgrounds to visually separate sections of your document. This can help you navigate large documents more easily.
- Templates: Save time by creating templates for recurring documents or layouts. This way, you have a consistent starting point for similar projects.
Tips for Using Notion Effectively
Notion is more than just a note-taking app. It's a productivity powerhouse. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Database Views
Notion's database feature is incredibly versatile. You can switch between list, table, calendar, and board views to see your data from different perspectives. This flexibility can help you better understand your information.


Integrations
Notion integrates with a range of other tools, from Trello to Google Calendar. These integrations can help you keep all your work in one place, reducing the need to jump between different apps.
Shortcuts
Getting familiar with Notion's keyboard shortcuts can save you a ton of time. Simple commands like Ctrl
+ Shift
+ L
for toggling between light and dark mode, or Ctrl
+ Enter
to open the Notion command menu, can make your workflow much smoother.
Spell's Role in Document Creation
While Notion is fantastic for organization, Spell excels in document creation and editing. It's like having an editor built into your writing space, providing real-time assistance and suggestions that go beyond simple spell checking. With Spell, you can draft and refine your documents with ease, making it an excellent complement to Notion's organizational prowess.
When to Turn Spell Check Back On
There might be times when you'll want to re-enable spell check, such as when you're finalizing a document or working on something that requires high accuracy. Just remember to follow the same steps to toggle the setting back on in your browser or system settings.
Final Thoughts
Turning off spell check in Notion can help you create a more tailored and focused workspace, whether you're dealing with technical documents, creative writing, or multilingual projects. While Notion handles organization beautifully, Spell offers a robust solution for writing and editing, ensuring your documents are polished and professional. By balancing these tools, you can optimize your workflow and focus on what truly matters.