Notion is a keyboard-first app: the slash menu builds pages, Ctrl+P finds anything, and blocks move with chords instead of dragging. This complete list of Notion keyboard shortcut keys (Windows app and web) explains navigation, block editing and formatting shortcuts in plain words.
Navigation and App Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + P | Quick Find: search every page by title/content |
| Ctrl + N | Create a new page (desktop app) |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Open a new Notion window (desktop app) |
| Ctrl + [ / Ctrl + ] | Go back / forward in page history |
| Ctrl + \ (backslash) | Show/hide the left sidebar |
| Ctrl + Shift + L | Toggle dark mode |
| Ctrl + L | Copy the current page's link (when not editing text) |
| Esc | Close dialogs / exit block selection |
Block Editing Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| / (slash, at block start) | Open the block menu (headings, lists, tables, embeds…) |
| Enter | Create a new block below |
| Shift + Enter | New line inside the same block |
| Tab / Shift + Tab | Indent / unindent the block (nest it) |
| Ctrl + Shift + Up / Down Arrow | Move the block up / down the page |
| Ctrl + D (block selected) | Duplicate the block |
| Ctrl + A (pressed once/twice) | Select the current block / then the whole page |
| Ctrl + / (block selected) | Open the "Turn into" menu to change the block type |
| Ctrl + Enter (on a page/database item) | Open the page as a full page / enter the block for editing |
| Backspace (empty block) | Delete the block and merge with the one above |
| Alt + drag a block | Duplicate the block while dragging |
Formatting Shortcuts (in the editor)
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + B / Ctrl + I | Bold / italic |
| Ctrl + Shift + X | Strikethrough |
| Ctrl + K | Add/edit a link on the selected text |
| Ctrl + E | Format as inline code |
| Ctrl + Shift + M | Add a comment on the selected text |
| Ctrl + Shift + H | Apply the last-used highlight/text color |
| # + Space | Turn the block into Heading 1 (## = H2, ### = H3) |
| - or * + Space | Start a bulleted list |
| 1. + Space | Start a numbered list |
| [] + Space | Create a to-do checkbox |
| " + Space | Create a quote block |
| --- (three dashes) | Insert a divider line |
| > + Space | Create a toggle block |
Tips for Notion Users
Ctrl + P is Notion's front door — any page is two seconds away, so folder discipline matters less than good titles. The Ctrl + A "twice" trick selects one block, then the page: perfect before Ctrl + / ("Turn into") to convert a wall of text into headings or toggles. And Ctrl + \ hides the sidebar for a clean, full-width writing view.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search all pages in Notion?
Press Ctrl + P (Quick Find) and type — results cover page titles and content across your workspace.
How do I move a block up or down in Notion?
Click into the block and press Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down Arrow to move it through the page.
How do I create a heading in Notion with the keyboard?
Type # and a space at the start of a block for Heading 1 (## for H2, ### for H3), or use the / menu.
How do I add a link in Notion?
Select the text and press Ctrl + K, then paste the URL and press Enter.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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