When you first heard about Notion, the whole page within a page thing may have seemed a little daunting. Even avid users likely recall not knowing exactly how databases work at first. However, as you get the hang of even the most basic elements, you begin to unlock its potential.

It's possible you'll find yourself wanting to use Notion in place of other apps—which is ideal because you'll have everything in one place. Perhaps, you're there already. In this article, you'll find a list of ways to use Notion that will help you get the most out of this one-stop productivity tool.

1. Save and Organize Bookmarks in a Few Clicks With Notion

Of course, your browser likely comes with a bookmarks function, but making one in Notion will take things to the next level when saving your links. Its bookmark block is a cinch to use, and the result looks pleasing.

Bookmarks list created in project management software

If you want to keep things super simple, you can grab the Notion Web Clipper browser extension to help you snatch up links with the click of a button. Alternatively, the software makes creating them a breeze, with a prompt to turn your links into bookmarks upon copying and pasting them in.

Organizing and reorganizing is a drag and drop effort, but your bookmarks library will come out looking like you’ve spent a lot of time on it—when really, it didn't take much effort at all.

2. Track Your Goals Alongside Everything Else in Notion

Notion isn’t all tasks and projects. Thanks to its high level of customization, you can basically make notes on and track anything—including your goals. To make things more convenient, you can get the Notion app for your smartphone, so you can track them even when you’re away from your computer.

Goals outlined on cards in project management software

There are many ways you can set and track your goals in Notion, whether you want to do so using a board or table database or simply text. With your goals and projects together in the same software, you can check in on them daily without the need to switch to a separate program or app.

3. Use Notion's Various To-Do List Styles to Stay on Track

If you’re familiar with Notion, you’ve likely discovered you can make to-do lists already. Within Notion’s basic blocks alone, you have four list types: To-do, Bulleted, Numbered, and Toggle.

Checklist created in project management software

However, using databases, you can get really granular with your tasks and projects. Whether you’re working with a Table, Board, List, or another database view, you can assign properties to each item you list.

These items also become subpages that you can use to outline more details, make notes, and share ideas when working with others. Creating and organizing simple lists is an excellent way to get your to-dos back on track if you find yourself feeling bogged down. It’s also a great way to learn the basics of Notion.

4. Level Up Your Teamwork in Notion With Collaborative Project Boards

Thanks to its People property, usable within Notion’s databases, you can create collaborative project boards comparable to ClickUp’s. These allow you to assign others to tasks within a database, while using features like the comment box and tagging to work together.

Project table created in project management software

The example image uses a table database view, but you and your coworkers can switch between multiple layouts, including board and calendar, depending on your individual preferences.

When working with others, you can add up to five guests to your pages in the free account, share with unlimited guests with the Personal Pro account, or subscribe to the Team Account for open workspaces and advanced permissions settings.

5. Use Notion's Text Editor and Subpages for Extremely Organized Notes

Notion defines itself as “a single space where you can think, write, and plan” and definitely goes above and beyond that. You can effortlessly take clean notes complete with headings, multiple list styles, quotes, callouts, and dividers with the text editor. As you do, you can select text to format it, create a hyperlink, or mark it as code.

As well as the text features, Notion commands make adding images and other visual elements like videos, bookmarks, embeds, and emojis a piece of cake. If you’ve yet to use Notion, accessing your commands is as simple as clicking anywhere in the text editor and pressing the forward slash.

Additionally, to keep them organized, you can create a main page and add your notes as subpages so that you know where to find them.

6. Set Reminders in Databases or Pages in Notion

There are two ways you can set reminders in Notion. One is within a Date property in a database. The other is anywhere in the text editor by typing @remind, followed by the date and time you’d like an alert. You can tell it’s ready when the text appears blue on your page.

Screenshot of a reminders menu in project management software

You can use reminders to avoid missing important events or due dates. Additionally, you can use them to bring your attention back to a note or document at a later time if you need to revisit it. If you frequently miss deadlines or appointments, you may find it beneficial to create a reminders page for a quick overview of all your time-sensitive items.

7. Mind Mapping in Notion

There’s no doubt that Notion is an excellent planning tool. In addition to organizing plans, you can also use it to help you make them in the first place. To create a mind map, make a new page in Notion and start writing your ideas down. At this point, avoid focusing on organization or getting things right, just get it all out using the text editor, databases, images, links, and whatever else adds value.

Next comes the editing stage, where you comb through your mind map and use it to create project outlines. You might not use everything you wrote, but at least you'll know it’s an idea you’ve already visited.

Additionally, you can collaborate with someone else by sharing your page and inviting them to contribute. Even with Notion's free account, you and your coworker can collaborate in real-time. However, you'll need to upgrade to a paid account to access version history.

Make the Most of Notion

Notion is much more than project management software. This list outlines just several ways you can use it to boost your productivity, with many other possibilities you'll uncover as you go.

If you use it to its full potential, you can likely use Notion to replace multiple apps and software—which means you’ll no longer have to go back and forth between programs.