Updating the design of Notion pages

Summary

Notion revisited its page design after years of adding blocks with inconsistent spacing and related details. Rather than relying on baseline alignment, which is difficult across browsers and user-controlled block heights, the redesign uses standardized spacing to create rhythm while preserving flexibility. The team also changed paragraph spacing so readers can scan documents and see breaks more clearly, then addressed the resulting problem of lists feeling too loose or too tight. Its solution treats blocks above and below a block as adjacent and reduces padding when neighboring items belong to a list, including checklists, bulleted, toggle, numbered, and page lists. Notion says the system will roll out across all pages, including lists, headings, and mixed-content documents, over the coming weeks.

Takeaways

1. 1

   Standardized spacing provides rhythm without relying on baseline alignment across browsers, screen resolutions, operating systems, and user preferences.

2. 2

   Paragraph spacing is separated more clearly from single-line spacing to make document scanning and paragraph breaks easier.

3. 3

   Adjacent list items receive reduced padding, while the updated system is planned for lists, headings, and mixed-content documents across all pages.