How do I format text in Notion?

Formatting text in Notion is straightforward and offers multiple approaches to suit different working styles. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, slash commands, or visual menus, Notion provides flexible options to make your content visually appealing and well-organized.

The fastest way to format text is through keyboard shortcuts. Highlight any text and use Ctrl+B (Cmd+B on Mac) for bold, Ctrl+I (Cmd+I) for italic, or Ctrl+U (Cmd+U) for underline. For strikethrough, use Ctrl+Shift+S (Cmd+Shift+S). These shortcuts work across all platforms and are identical to most word processors, making the transition seamless for new users.

Notion's slash command system offers another powerful formatting method. Simply type "/" followed by the formatting option you want. For example, "/h1" creates a large heading, "/h2" for medium headings, and "/h3" for smaller ones. You can also use "/bold", "/italic", or "/code" for inline formatting. This approach is particularly useful when you're typing quickly and don't want to interrupt your flow by reaching for keyboard shortcuts.

The toolbar method appears when you highlight text, showing formatting options like bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, code, and color changes. This visual approach is helpful for users who prefer clicking rather than memorizing shortcuts, though it can slow down your workflow compared to keyboard alternatives.

Notion supports advanced formatting features that set it apart from basic text editors. You can create different heading levels to establish content hierarchy, add colored text and backgrounds for emphasis, and format inline code with backticks. Block-level formatting includes bulleted lists, numbered lists, toggle lists, quotes, and callout boxes that make information stand out.

One limitation to consider is that Notion's formatting options, while comprehensive, aren't as extensive as dedicated word processors like Microsoft Word. Complex formatting like tables with merged cells or advanced typography controls may require workarounds or third-party integrations.

The key to efficient text formatting in Notion is developing muscle memory for the most common shortcuts while familiarizing yourself with slash commands for quick access to block-level formatting. Start with basic bold and italic formatting, then gradually incorporate headings and lists as you become more comfortable with the platform.