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Is your Notion dashboard looking a bit plain and boring?
That’s because you haven’t embedded any widgets inside of it.
These can include little software tools, tweets, GIFs, link previews and a bunch of others.
This article will teach you exactly how to add widgets to Notion.
You’ll learn:
- Why it’s necessary
- Various methods to embed any widget
- Where to get some good ones
Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
Why Add Widgets to Your Notion Page?
Personalizing Your Workspace
The first thing you’ll notice is that adding widgets to your Notion dashboard will give it a unique look tailored to your preferences.
Kinda like designing your phone home screen page.
Increasing Productivity
Looking good is one thing but having all your favorite productivity tools in one place is indispensable.
You can dramatically increase your overall efficiency if you have access to features like:
- Progress bars
- Weather conditions
- Calculator
- Timers
Ok, maybe not weather conditions but whatever.
Accessing Unique Features
The main reason widgets were created in the first place was because certain features and functionalities are not available natively in Notion.
So if you wanted Pomodoro Timer, sorry you’ll need a Notion widget for that.
How To Embed any Widget to Notion?
There’re only a few ways to add a widget in Notion.
Some are really easy and some not so.
Method 1: A Simple Embed
This is the simplest and most idiot-proof method to add a widget to Notion.
They are usually ones that live on standalone website pages and don’t require any customizations.
Let’s add this pomodoro timer from studywithme.io to a page.
Now on a Notion page, you have 2 options:
1) Use Embed Slash Command
Type /embed and select the “Embed” option from the toolbar.
Now just paste the link into the box and click “Embed link.”
2) Paste the Link Directly on a Page
Alternatively, you can just paste the link directly on a page and click “Create embed.”
Both options will give you the same result, which is this cool-looking pomodoro timer appearing right in your Notion workspace.
Method 2: Using a Widget’s Custom URL
These are usually widgets that allow you to customize the look and functionality.
And each one has a unique link.
You can go to websites like Indify and choose a widget that suits your needs and tastes.
Most widgets of this type will have the following:
- Settings
- Widget preview
- Unique link
Now all you need to do is use that link to add the widget to Notion using the same 2 options in method 1.
Method 3: Converting HTML to an Embeddable Link
This method requires a tiny bit of coding knowledge.
Assuming you already have the source code for a widget, you need to turn it into an embeddable link to add it to Notion.
Let’s use the HTML for this Simple CountDown on Apption.co as an example.
You can find the source code on github here.
In a nutshell, you need to host that code somewhere for a link to be created, so here are 3 options:
1) Using HTMLSave (Paid)
HTMLSave is a paid method that allows you to create a simple HTML side by hosting that your code on their servers.
Just paste the code into the box and click “Submit to Save.”
The link will appear on the top, assuming you have a subscription.
I didn’t pay for it because I’m cheap like that.
I’m gonna show you 2 other free ways instead.
2) Using Apption’s DIY Embed URL Feature
Head over to Apption’s DIY Embed URL feature, give your widget a name, paste the HTML code into the box and click “Generate URL.”
You’ll then see the embeddable link, which you can now paste into Notion using the slash command or the copy-paste method.
3) Hosting the HTML Code on Github Pages
This is probably the most complicated way, but it’s good to know.
The goal is to turn the code into a link.
To do this, you need to:
Step 1: Create a GitHub account if you don’t have one: https://github.com/
Step 2: Create a new repository, and name it something like “simple-countdown”
Step 3: Add an “index.html” file to the repository, and paste your provided HTML code into this file
Step 4: Go to your repository settings, scroll down to the “GitHub Pages” section, and select the main branch as the source
Step 5: Click “Save.”
Step 6: Your hosted widget should now be available at a URL like “https://yourusername.github.io/simple-countdown/
Note: It can take up to 10 mins for the page to be published so don’t crap your pants if it doesn’t work immediately.
Now all your need to do is take that link and embed it on Notion as a simple embed like in method 1.
If you think you messed up with any of the methods above, check out my guide on how to undo in notion.
How To Add Widgets to Notion (FAQs)
What Are Some Examples of Popular Widgets To Add in Notion?
Some popular widgets to add in Notion include: website embeds (e.g., Figma, Loom, YouTube, Google Maps), calendaring (e.g., Google Calendar), news feeds, weather forecasts, social media feeds, task management apps, and more.
These widgets help enrich your Notion pages with additional content and functionality, making it easier to stay organized and collaborate with others.
How Do I Add a Website Widget to a Notion Page?
To add a website widget to a Notion page, go to the website providing the widget, copy the link or embed code, and then paste it into your Notion page using the “Embed” block. This will effectively embed the webpage or content within your Notion page.
In some cases, you might need to adjust the settings of the widget within its original host, so be sure to read any instructions or recommendations provided by the widget provider.
Can I Move Widgets Around Within My Notion Page?
Yes, you can move widgets around within your Notion pages, just like any other content blocks. Click and drag the six-dot icon in the top-left corner of the widget to move it to a new location on your page. You can also resize the widget using the same icon, ensuring it fits beautifully within your layout.
What Is the Maximum Number of Widgets I Can Have on a Notion Page?
Notion does not impose a strict limit on the number of widgets you can add to a page. However, adding too many widgets might affect the performance and loading speed of the page, making it less efficient for you and your team to work on. Just use a reasonable number of widgets that serve a purpose and enhance productivity.
Can I Relate Different Widgets Within Notion?
You can relate different widgets within Notion by making sure they share the same data source, such as a linked database or a third-party app integration like Google Calendar. By ensuring your widgets have access to the same information, you can create a cohesive and dynamic environment where everything works together seamlessly.
How Do I Properly Copy the Link or Embed Code for a Widget To Use in Notion?
To properly copy the link or embed code for a widget, make sure you’re selecting the entire code or link provided by the widget provider, and right-click to copy it. You can also press “Ctrl+C” (PC) or “Cmd+C” (Mac) to copy the link or code to your clipboard. Then, go to your Notion page, add an “Embed” block, and paste the code or link into the “Embed Link” field.
Can I Add Widgets to a Notion Template?
Yes, you can add widgets to a Notion template just like you would with any other content block. When you create a new page using the template, the widget will also be included in the new page, ready for you to customize or connect with your desired data sources.
How Do I Update or Refresh a Widget in Notion?
To update or refresh a widget in Notion, you might need to use the refresh function provided within the widget itself, or edit and update the settings on the original host website.
Notion does not have a built-in refresh function for widgets, so it’s important to check any available documentation or instructions provided by the widget provider.
Can I Use Custom Widgets in Notion?
If you have programming skills or access to a developer, you can create custom widgets and embed them in Notion like any other embedded content. Make sure that the widget is hosted on a public server and provides a sharable embed link or code. Then, you can add it to your Notion page using the “Embed” block, just as you would with a pre-made widget.
To Sum Up
That wraps up this guide on how to add widgets to Notion.
I hope this answers everything you need to know.
If you liked the article, share it and leave a comment below!
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About the author
Brendan Aw
Brendan is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at brendanaw.com™, where he helps others grow their creator business like a startup. Before launching his blog, he was the marketing manager at various E-commerce, NFTs, Crypto, Marketing Consultancy, Finance, and E-sports high-growth startups. He now works on scaling his family’s 7-figure luxury lighting business in Cambodia while documenting his journey as a creator online.
Learn more about me.
