Overview Notion - versatile productivity tool for work and life
Productivity / / December 23, 2019
What is the Notion
Notion combines a huge number of tools. Notes and to-do lists, documents and spreadsheets, kanban boards and knowledge bases - there is everything with which we have to deal on a daily basis.
Service is all in a single workspace. Like the LEGO parts, it is easy to add the items you want and assemble your ideal productivity tool for storing ideas, planning and collaboration with colleagues.
Notion can be compared with a hybrid Evernote, google Docs, Trello and Todoist. The main purpose of the application - to replace a number of services to solve specific problems, to make the job easier and more convenient.
Instead of juggling sites and switching between Notion program interface allows all processes in a clean, universal medium and keep them under control.
How this tool works
It is difficult to imagine a comfortable work with so many functions. But in fact, even minimalistic interface Notion than the individual programs, which it replaces.
All content is stored in the pages that consist of a variety of units - the main essence of the service. These can be texts, lists, code, images or links.
At any time, easily transform blocks, a second turning bulleted list in control, and text - to a separate page, the block of code, or a quote.
On one page, you can collect a few others, which in turn can be hidden inside the multi-level drop-down lists. These can be added to the table, kanban board, Arrange a wiki and a database.
This opens up almost unlimited possibilities for unfolding on the shelves of anything. To navigate through the records using the sidebar to the tree structure, conveniently displayed all of the content, as well as a quick search with tips.
When you create a new file open dialog where you can start with a blank page, or choose from a variety of templates for a variety of purposes.
When you click on /
It opens a menu of commands that allows you to add basic blocks like sub-headings, lists, separators, as well as reminders, tables, boards and calendars.
In addition, it is available and embedding media files from various services, including Google Drive, GitHub Gist, Framer, Figma, and many others.
Getting acquainted with the Notion for the first time, it is difficult to understand the concept, so the developers have made a living Demo PageWhich is available without registration directly in the browser window and works in the same way as in the application itself.
What can I use Notion
All functions of the creators of the Notion is divided into four main components: Notes & Docs, Knowledge Base, Tasks & Projects and Spreadsheets & Databases. The first is positioned as an alternative to Google Docs and Evernote, and is used to work with texts and notes.
The second is to replace GitHub Wiki and Confluence, and helping to create a knowledge base. The third assumes the function Trello, Asana and Jira, respectively, making it easier to work with tasks and projects. And finally, the last replaces Google Sheets and Airtable and used to create spreadsheets and databases.
1. Notes and Documents
To organize your notes and working with documents in the Notion has everything you could wish for. Starting with the Web Clipper and convenient snippets add links and ending with functional editor Markdown support-razmetki and insert media.
Any materials created can be shared with other people and work on them in real time. At the same time accessible version control, comments, and access control.
2. knowledge base
Without any skills Notion easily make a comfortable and well-read wiki. To do this, simply create a blank page and place it on the other. Their titles will act as a reference, and the inside can be anything, including other subpages.
In the main, you can add partitions, and very easy to relink wiki with other knowledge bases. In this case, each page can be designed with the help of covers and emoji, which are displayed next to the title and easier navigation.
3. Tasks and Project Management
For the organization of tasks available lots of opportunities. Simple things will carry on with the help of control and nested lists, but for complex projects, it is more convenient to use the kanban board.
The last look and work exactly the same as in Trello seem very inconsistent, moreover even allow projects to move out in a single click. In addition, there is a road map, calendar and scheduler for a week.
4. Spreadsheets and databases
As part of the Notion of tables able to replace the Google Sheets and Excel, but only for not very complicated and basic things. Although, if you do not need sophisticated mathematical formulas, built-in capabilities would be sufficient.
Tables can be created from scratch, import them from other applications, and insert into the document and place on the pages.
What are the scenarios for using tools exist
The most common use case Notion - it notes and writing texts, but in this his scope does not end there.
Only the built-in gallery there are 20 ready-made templates for different needs, covering almost any problem. However, due to the concept of the designer it is always possible to collect and unique template to fit your purpose.
Notion main charm lies in the fact that you can organize your life and work, bringing together all the daily processes in a single, convenient service.
Besides the obvious notes, task management, project management and knowledge bases, the app has a lot of other use cases. To understand the opportunities we give as an example a number of interesting options:
- Storage - Collect ideas, links to articles, videos, and other information to be treated later.
- Goals - Schedule what you want to achieve, and compared with the list, not to turn from the path.
- Household chores - make a note of the plans, save favorite Ideas for repair and Public Works.
- Travel - collect together information about upcoming trips and places where you want to go.
- Finance - monitor receipt, track payments and expenses.
- Editorial calendar - will be published for the blog or channel.
- training log - mark a class, fix progress, keep a food diary.
What synchronization and availability of mobile applications
Notion is available on all platforms, and works in both applications and the browser. In addition to desktop clients for Mac and PC, there is also a mobile version for iOS and Android, offering similar functions.
All content is stored in the Notion own cloud and synchronized between devices, with edits it appears when you almost instantly.
What became clear during use
I've heard about for a long time Notion. Double-install applications for Mac, trying to learn it and start using, but both attempts were not crowned with success.
I basically have to work with texts, so I expected to be conducted in Notion notes and write drafts of articles. With short notes as lists of cases turned out easy, but with the text was not specified.
I really did not have full support for Markdown and even more - font display settings: only three suites, two sizes of fonts and fields in the editor.
I believe that without the transfer of all the processes in the Notion to use it does not make sense, because the breaks all slim concept of a single space. Therefore, I continue to use BearIn which I write lyrics, I keep notes and lead a simple list.
But at the same time carefully watching the Notion and wait until you see more options. Still, the application is very powerful and promising, and the idea of a universal instrument for tempting me.
Our chief editor all goes well. He gladly uses Notion and that's what says about this.
Pavel Fedorov
Chief editor Layfhakera
To Notion started working, it is necessary to spend a few hours on its setting: to explore patterns, understand the mechanics, see vidos on YouTube, to come up with the use of scripts. It's a long and sometimes tedious.
But! Once you adjust the Notion for themselves, begin a fairy tale: other apps for notes and tasks will not need them. Tables, checklists, text formatting blocks - there are so many hidden features that blows the roof, when you find something new.
Place me over a month, but due to the referral program and a couple of posts I have a two year subscription.
How much does a Notion
Notion is free, but by and large this option is suitable only for reference. The free account sync works and all functions are available, but the catch lies in the limitation in the 1000 block of content.
For a start it will be enough, but if you move the application to all processes, the limit will end quickly.
Paid subscription removes all restrictions and open the version history, sharing settings, and priority technical support. If you draw an annual subscription, a personal account will cost $ 4 per month, while working as a team will have to pay $ 8 per person.
In this case, after registering and installing applications is charged $ 15, which can be spent on a subscription fee. Additional bonuses are given for inviting friends - you will in that case be charged $ 5, and the other - 10.
By the way, if you wish, register for my link, if not, then below there nereferalnaya.
Try Notion →
With the result that
Notion really powerful tool, having mastered the possibilities which can establish your personal or business affairs. Service saves time and helps you be more productive due to a single space, which contains notes, documents, tasks and projects. Equal functions counterparts had, in fact, not.
But we should not deceive ourselves, because the Notion is just a tool, and it does not do all the work for you. Use it to achieve successBut only those who are used to lay out everything on the shelves and ready to spend some time organizing your records.
pros:
- Versatile - replaces a lot of different applications and services.
- Working together - you can publish documents, providing access to the link, even those who are not registered.
- User-friendly interface - despite the abundance of features, all at a glance.
- Cross-platform - can be accessed from any device.
Minuses:
- Complexity - due to the large number of functions to figure out what to do, not so easy.
- Weak typography - customize the display fonts very scarce, there are almost none.
- The lack of localization - along with the development complexity for some it will be a problem.
see also🧐
- 5 alternative application for note taking on macOS
- Best Web service in 2018 under the version of Layfhakera
- How to achieve maximum productivity: 28 short tips
- How to choose a more productive system