How do I add custom icons to Notion pages?

Adding custom icons to your Notion pages is a simple way to personalize your workspace and make navigation more intuitive. Notion offers several methods to customize your page icons, each with its own advantages and considerations.

The most straightforward approach is using Notion's built-in emoji selector. Simply click on the page icon area at the top of any page, and you'll see options for emojis, which provide a quick way to categorize and identify your pages. This method works well for basic organization and doesn't consume storage space.

For truly custom icons, you can upload your own images by selecting "Upload an image" from the icon menu. This feature supports common image formats like PNG, JPG, and SVG files. Custom image icons offer unlimited creative possibilities and can align perfectly with your branding or aesthetic preferences. However, keep in mind that uploaded images count toward your workspace's file storage limit, and larger files may slow down page loading times.

Notion also provides access to a curated library of icons through integrations with services like Unsplash for photos and various icon libraries. These professionally designed icons strike a balance between customization and convenience, offering high-quality options without using your storage quota.

When choosing custom icons, consider file size and format. SVG files are ideal because they scale perfectly at any size and typically have smaller file sizes than PNG or JPG alternatives. For best results, use square images with dimensions of at least 280x280 pixels to ensure they display clearly across different devices.

One limitation to be aware of is that custom icons may not sync perfectly across all platforms, particularly on mobile devices where display can sometimes be inconsistent. Additionally, if you're working in a team workspace, ensure that any custom icons you upload are appropriate and align with your organization's guidelines.

To add a custom icon, navigate to your desired page, click the existing icon or the "Add icon" area at the top, select your preferred method (emoji, upload, or icon library), and choose or upload your desired image. The change takes effect immediately, and your custom icon will appear in your page navigation and any databases that reference that page.