How To Use Templates In Notion

Introduction.

If you’ve been using Notion or are just starting, you’ve probably heard about templates. They can save you tons of time, help organize your work, and even spark ideas you hadn’t thought of.

But getting the hang of templates in Notion can feel a little tricky at first. That’s why I’m here to break it down and make it easy for you.

Notion templates aren’t just a time-saver—they’re like blueprints for almost anything you want to manage: projects, personal goals, class schedules, meal planning, you name it. They give you a starting point so you don’t have to start from scratch.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what templates are, how to use them, and how to customize them to fit your needs.

What are Notion Templates?

A Notion template is a pre-designed page or workspace you can duplicate and use for yourself. Think of it as a head start.

Instead of building everything from zero, you pick a template that already has a structure, and you just tweak it to suit your needs.

For example:

Task Management Templates: Great for keeping track of to-dos.
Budget Templates: Perfect for managing finances.
Content Creation Templates: Ideal for bloggers, writers, or marketers planning their next post or campaign.

You can find templates in Notion’s official Template Gallery or from creators sharing their designs online.

How Do I Use Templates in Notion?

1. Finding Templates

If you’re using Notion on a desktop or mobile app, you can access templates directly through the Template button in the left-hand sidebar.

Built-In Templates: Notion offers many built-in options like Kanban boards, reading lists, or personal planners. These are a great starting point.
Community Templates: Creators and fans of Notion often share their templates online for free or for purchase. Some popular sources include:
- Notion’s Template Gallery
- Independent creators on websites like Gumroad or Reddit’s Notion community.

2. Adding a Template to Your Workspace

Here’s how you can add one:

Click Templates in your Notion sidebar.
Browse or search for what you need.
Select the template and hit Use This Template.
It will appear as a new page in your workspace.

3. Customizing the Template

Templates aren’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of Notion—you can tweak everything to your liking.

Rename Sections: Personalize headers or titles to match your preferences.
Add or Remove Blocks: Notion blocks (like text, images, databases) are super flexible. Add what you need, and delete what you don’t.
Adjust Views: If the template includes a database, switch between calendar, list, gallery, or Kanban views to see what works best.
Colour and Icons: Use emojis or custom images to make it visually appealing.

Common Ways to Use Templates

Templates aren’t just for work—they’re for life too! Here are a few ideas:

Personal Planning: Keep track of daily habits, reading lists, or fitness goals.
Work Projects: Plan your weekly tasks, manage client work, or organize meeting notes.
Creative Workflows: Plan a blog calendar, track YouTube video scripts, or manage a design portfolio.
Team Collaboration: Share a project roadmap or brainstorming board with your team.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to pay for templates?

Nope! Notion offers tons of free templates, and many creators share theirs for free online. However, some premium templates from professionals might cost a few dollars.

Q: Can I make my templates?

Yes, you can create a custom page in Notion and save it as a template. Just design the page how you like, then duplicate it whenever you need it.

Q: Can I share a template I’ve made with others?

Absolutely. Just click “Share” in the top-right corner of the page, copy the link, and send it to others. Make sure to enable Duplicate permissions so others can make their copy.

Q: Are templates available on mobile?

Yes! You can use, edit, and create templates on both desktop and mobile.

Tips for Mastering Notion Templates

Start Simple: Don’t overwhelm yourself with complex templates right away. Pick a basic one and build from there.
Combine Templates: Sometimes, mixing parts of different templates can create something perfect for you.
Experiment: Play around with layouts, database properties, and formatting to get comfortable.
Ask for Help: Notion communities like Reddit or Facebook groups are full of tips, tricks, and even free templates to explore.