How to Design Multi-column Layouts within Notion for Structured Content Presentation

Notion is a versatile tool that allows users to create and organize content in a variety of ways. Although Notion now supports simple drag-and-drop column creation, you can still achieve highly structured multi-column layouts using different techniques. In this article, we explore several updated methods to design multi-column layouts, enabling you to present your content in a structured and visually appealing manner.

Method 1: Utilizing Tables

Tables in Notion provide a grid-like structure that can serve as a multi-column layout. This method is especially useful if you want a neat, organized arrangement for data or content blocks. Here’s how to use tables:

1. Create a new table:
   Insert a table block on your page by clicking the + button or typing /table and selecting Table – Inline.

2. Adjust the number of columns:
   By default, Notion tables come with a couple of columns. Click the table block and use the toolbar options at the top to add or remove columns. You can adjust the width of each column by dragging the column headers.

3. Populate the table:
   Add your content to each cell. Tables can include text, images, or embedded items, making each cell act as a separate content container.

4. Customize the table appearance:
   Use the table toolbar to change colors, text alignment, and borders so the table fits your design needs. Notion’s updated table features support richer formatting options and inline database functionality, which can be useful for dynamic content.

Method 2: Employing Inline Columns with Drag-and-Drop

Notion now makes it easier than ever to create inline columns by simply dragging blocks next to one another. This method offers flexibility and a natural editing experience:

1. Create individual blocks:
   Start by adding several blocks (such as text, images, or embeds) that you wish to align as columns.

2. Drag a block beside another:
   Hover over a block until you see the drag handle, then drag it to the right (or left) of an adjacent block. When a blue guideline appears, release to create a column layout.

3. Add and arrange content:
   Continue adding new blocks to either column. You can rearrange or add blocks anywhere within the column structure using Notion’s intuitive drag-and-drop feature.

4. Customize each column:
   Click on any block to access formatting options. Change background color, text alignment, or other styling elements to differentiate each column as needed.

Note: This drag-and-drop method is the simplest way to establish multi-column layouts in Notion today, replacing older command-based techniques.

Method 3: Combining Dividers and Columns

For an even more defined visual separation between columns, you can combine inline columns with dividers. This technique is ideal for creating clear boundaries between different sections of content.

1. Create inline columns using drag-and-drop:
   Follow the steps in Method 2 to set up your inline columns.

2. Insert dividers:
   Between content blocks (or within a column), type /divider and select Divider to insert a horizontal line. Dividers help create clear visual separations.

3. Customize the divider appearance:
   Although divider styling options are somewhat limited, you can adjust the placement or add contextual text near them to enhance your design.

4. Populate the columns:
   With dividers in place, continue adding content to each column. The dividers provide a structured and segmented look to your layout.

Conclusion

While Notion may not offer a dedicated "multi-column layout" feature, its flexible environment allows you to experiment with different techniques—from tables and drag-and-drop inline columns to combining dividers for enhanced structure. By leveraging these methods and the customization options available, you can create organized, visually appealing content presentations that perfectly suit your needs. Enjoy designing your layouts and exploring the full capabilities of Notion!