What is a quote block in Notion?

A quote block in Notion is a specialized content block that visually highlights text by adding distinct indentation, a left vertical border, and subtle background styling to make specific passages stand out from regular paragraphs. Unlike standard text blocks, quote blocks create visual separation that draws attention to important information, whether you're capturing actual quotations, emphasizing key takeaways, or highlighting critical instructions. This formatting tool goes beyond simple text emphasis by offering customizable sizing options and color choices that help organize and prioritize information within your workspace. Understanding how to effectively use quote blocks can significantly improve the readability and visual hierarchy of your Notion pages.

Creating a quote block is straightforward and offers multiple approaches to fit your workflow. The quickest method involves typing a forward slash followed by "quote" (/quote) and selecting it from the menu, or you can use the markdown shortcut by typing a greater-than symbol and space (>) at the beginning of any line. You can also highlight existing text and convert it to a quote block through the formatting menu. Once created, the block displays your content with italic styling by default, though you can apply additional formatting like bold, underline, or hyperlinks within the quote itself.

The visual customization options make quote blocks particularly versatile for different use cases. You can choose between standard and large text sizes, adjust both text and background colors from Notion's full palette, and even nest other blocks like lists or additional text within the quote. This flexibility allows you to create layered emphasis or complex layouts that serve various purposes beyond traditional quotations, such as team objectives, personal reminders, or visual breaks in dense content.

However, effective use of quote blocks requires thoughtful restraint and strategic positioning. Overusing them can dilute their visual impact and make your pages feel cluttered rather than organized. The key is applying them selectively for genuinely important information and maintaining consistency in styling choices across your workspace. Consider using different color combinations to distinguish between types of emphasized content—perhaps blue for tips and red for warnings—while ensuring sufficient contrast for readability when sharing or exporting your work.

Quote blocks represent one of Notion's most practical tools for creating visual hierarchy and improving content organization. By combining their distinctive formatting with strategic placement and consistent styling practices, you can transform dense information into scannable, well-structured documents that guide readers naturally through your ideas and insights.