How do I open the slash command menu in Notion?

Type a forward slash (/) at the start of an empty line or anywhere in a block. A menu appears with every block type and command. Keep typing to filter it, for example /todo or /table, then press Enter.

What is the difference between Cmd and Ctrl shortcuts?

On macOS the modifier key is Cmd; on Windows and Linux it is Ctrl. The shortcuts are otherwise identical. Use the platform selector so every shortcut shows the correct key for your machine.

How do I turn an existing block into another type?

Select the block by pressing Esc, then type a slash command, or hover the block and use the six-dot handle then Turn into. Markdown triggers like # or - only convert empty blocks as you type at the start.

Do markdown shortcuts work everywhere in Notion?

Markdown triggers such as # for a heading or - for a bullet work at the start of an empty block. Inline markdown like wrapping text in asterisks for bold also works while typing. They do not retroactively convert text you have already styled.

Are these shortcuts the same on the Notion mobile app?

Mobile relies mostly on the slash menu and the formatting toolbar rather than keyboard chords, so many desktop shortcuts do not apply. This reference targets the Notion desktop app and web client where a physical keyboard is available.

What is the Notion Keyboard Shortcuts?

Searchable Notion keyboard shortcut reference covering block editing, page actions, markdown triggers and the slash command menu, with keys shown for both macOS and Windows. It runs free in your browser on Gera Tools, with nothing uploaded.

Notion Keyboard Shortcuts

Name: Notion Keyboard Shortcuts
Creator: Gera Tools
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Get one useful tool a week

Like this tool? Enter your email and we'll send you one genuinely useful Gera tool a week — plus a link to come back to this one. No spam, one-click unsubscribe any time.

Notion is fastest from the keyboard: the slash menu builds any block, markdown triggers format as you type, and a handful of chords move blocks and pages around. This reference collects the shortcuts that matter and shows the right keys for your operating system.

Three distinct input modes

Notion shortcuts fall into three categories that work differently:

1. Held chords — modifier keys pressed simultaneously with a letter. Examples: Cmd/Ctrl + B for bold, Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + M to add a comment. These work on selected text or the current block, any time.

2. Markdown triggers — characters you type at the start of an empty block. Typing # then Space converts the block to Heading 1; ## gives Heading 2; - or * starts a bulleted list; [] creates a to-do checkbox. These only fire on empty blocks — they do not retroactively reformat text you have already typed.

3. Slash commands — type / to open the command palette, then keep typing to filter. /todo, /table, /callout, /code all work. Press Enter to insert the block. This is the universal escape hatch when you forget a markdown trigger.

How it works

Each shortcut in the table uses a Mod placeholder that renders as Cmd on macOS and Ctrl on Windows or Linux. The search box matches the action name, category, and key combination. The category filter limits the list to Editing, Navigation, Markdown triggers, Slash commands, or Page actions.

Most useful shortcuts to memorise

What it does	macOS	Windows/Linux
Open slash menu	`/`	`/`
Bold selection	Cmd + B	Ctrl + B
Link to page inline	`[[`	`[[`
Mention a person or page	`@`	`@`
Move block up / down	Cmd + Shift + ↑/↓	Ctrl + Shift + ↑/↓
Toggle sidebar	Cmd + `\`	Ctrl + `\`
Select block (not text)	Esc	Esc
Duplicate block	Cmd + D	Ctrl + D
Search all pages	Cmd + P	Ctrl + P
Open in full page	Cmd + Shift + L	Ctrl + Shift + L

Practical workflow tips

Convert existing content: if you have already typed text and want to change the block type, press Esc to select the block, then type / and choose from the command menu. Markdown triggers do not apply here.
Keyboard-only page creation: from any page, Cmd/Ctrl + P opens search; type the new page name, then Tab + Enter to create it without leaving the keyboard.
[[ for wikilinks: typing two open brackets opens an inline page search. This is the fastest way to link between Notion pages while writing, and it works mid-sentence.
Distraction-free mode: Cmd/Ctrl + \ collapses the sidebar, giving a full-width writing canvas. Press it again to bring the sidebar back.

Shortcuts can vary slightly between the desktop app, the web client, and platform releases. When in doubt, open the slash menu and check the keyboard hint shown next to each command.