How to Easily Create a Quick Capture in Notion

Table of contents

• What is quick capture in Notion and why it matters
• Creating a quick capture system in Notion
• 1. Start by creating a new page that will serve as your quick capture hub.
• 2. Create databases for your quick capture buttons later.
• 3. For your 'Tasks' properties, you can add properties like 'Due date', 'Priority level', and 'Status'.
• 4. Click the 'Filter' button and add a 'Status' filter.
• 5. Click the 'Status' property. Select 'Edit property' and change 'Display as' to checkbox.
• 6. At the very top of your page, type /callout. Inside the callout, type /button.
• 7. Name your button something like New Task, then click Add action and choose Add page to. Select your Tasks database as the destination.
• 8. Add another action and select 'Open page, form, or URL'. Select 'Page added', and select 'Side peek'.
• 9. Since you're done with your quick capture task button, you can create more buttons for your notes, goals, and more by following the same steps above.
• Set up quick capture on mobile
• 1. Make sure you have Notion installed on your phone.
• 2. Tap the plus icon or select 'Add Widget' from the top corner.
• 3. Search for Notion and choose the ‘Add Page’ widget.
• 4. After placing the widget, tap and hold it to bring up 'Edit Widget'.
• 5. Select your workspace and your quick capture page.
• 6. That’s it. Tap your widget, and you’re in.
• Optional tools to enhance quick capture in Notion
• Bringing your quick capture in Notion to life

Quick capture in Notion is a method for instantly recording ideas, tasks, notes, or inspirations the moment they arise without breaking your flow. It’s the first step in many productivity systems, including GTD (Getting Things Done), and it’s all about reducing friction between thought and action. In short, it helps you store what’s in your head, so you can revisit it later with a clear mind.

The concept is simple but powerful. A quick capture setup in Notion gives you a central spot to log inputs fast, whether you’re working, walking, or waiting in line. It clears mental clutter, keeps ideas from slipping through the cracks, and builds a habit of processing information intentionally instead of reactively. For busy professionals, students, creators, or anyone juggling multiple tasks, it’s a practical way to stay mentally organized.

In this article, you'll learn how to create a quick capture in Notion across different devices. You’ll discover how to build a functional capture system using buttons, filters, mobile widgets, and browser tools. We’ll cover everything you need to set up a fast, flexible, and easy-to-use quick capture process that fits your routine.

What is quick capture in Notion and why it matters

Quick capture is the act of saving an idea or task the moment it enters your mind. In Notion, it means creating a fast way to log something without clicking through multiple pages or switching apps. The goal is speed. You’re building a habit of recording input without slowing down.

In productivity systems like GTD (Getting Things Done), quick capture is step one. You collect what’s in your head so it doesn’t get forgotten. Then you process, organize, and review it later. Without this first step, everything else falls apart. Notion becomes the perfect place to do this because you can customize how and where those thoughts go.

Use cases are flexible. Most people use quick capture in Notion to log tasks, random ideas, content drafts, and bookmarks. Some create a swipe file for design inspiration. Others store meeting notes, gift ideas, or links to follow up on. The system works best when it fits how you think, so build it around what you tend to capture most.

Here are some benefits of a quick capture:

• Reduces mental fatigue by offloading thoughts quickly
• Frees up brain space so you can stay focused
• Prevents tasks and ideas from being forgotten
• Minimizes distractions during deep work or meetings
• Provides peace of mind knowing everything is saved
• Supports smoother reviews during your planning time
• Helps maintain flow by eliminating the need to switch apps or tools

Creating a quick capture system in Notion

Setting up a quick capture system doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few steps, you can turn Notion into a fast, reliable space for collecting tasks, ideas, and anything else that comes to mind. Here’s how to create a quick capture in Notion using buttons, filters, and smart database setup.

1. Start by creating a new page that will serve as your quick capture hub.

This will be your central workspace. Name it something simple like "Quick Capture” so it’s easy to find on desktop and mobile.

2. Create databases for your quick capture buttons later.

Set up the databases that your quick capture buttons will feed into. For example, create separate databases for Tasks, Notes, and Goals.

3. For your 'Tasks' properties, you can add properties like 'Due date', 'Priority level', and 'Status'.

These properties help you sort and review what you’ve captured. Status is key as it allows you to track progress.

4. Click the 'Filter' button and add a 'Status' filter.

Select 'Not started' and 'In Progress'. This way, completed tasks won’t clutter your view when they’re marked as done.

5. Click the 'Status' property. Select 'Edit property' and change 'Display as' to checkbox.

This lets you mark a task complete in one click. When you check the box, it switches the status to "Done" automatically.

6. At the very top of your page, type /callout. Inside the callout, type /button.

Time to create your quick capture buttons. Callouts help keep your buttons organized and easy to spot.

7. Name your button something like New Task, then click Add action and choose Add page to. Select your Tasks database as the destination.

This sets the button to send new entries directly into your task database. You don’t need to pre-fill a name, just leave it blank.

8. Add another action and select 'Open page, form, or URL'. Select 'Page added', and select 'Side peek'.

This lets you enter task details without switching pages. It keeps your flow uninterrupted while logging information.

9. Since you're done with your quick capture task button, you can create more buttons for your notes, goals, and more by following the same steps above.

Change the target database and label for each new button. You’ll end up with a fast, flexible quick capture system in Notion that works for your entire workflow.

Set up quick capture on mobile

Mobile capture is where speed truly matters. With just one tap, you should be able to open your Notion quick capture system and record a task, note, or goal without digging through menus. Here’s how to set it up so you never miss a thought.

1. Make sure you have Notion installed on your phone.

Long-press your home screen until the app icons begin to wiggle or enter "edit mode."

2. Tap the plus icon or select 'Add Widget' from the top corner.

3. Search for Notion and choose the ‘Add Page’ widget.

4. After placing the widget, tap and hold it to bring up 'Edit Widget'.

5. Select your workspace and your quick capture page.

This ensures the widget opens exactly where your quick capture buttons in Notion are located.

6. That’s it. Tap your widget, and you’re in.

You can now quickly input tasks, notes, and goals with just one tap, making your quick capture setup in Notion fully accessible on mobile.

Optional tools to enhance quick capture in Notion

Bringing your quick capture in Notion to life

Building a quick capture in Notion isn't just about saving time. It's about clearing space in your head, staying organized, and reducing friction between thought and action. With a simple setup, you can offload tasks, notes, and ideas before they slip away, on both desktop and mobile.

From one-tap capture buttons to widgets and integrations, your tools are always within reach. You might be typing a task during a meeting, saving a tweet that sparked something, or logging a new idea from a walk. With the right system, everything flows into one central workspace without interrupting your day.

The best part? Once your system is in place, it runs quietly in the background, helping you think less about where to put things and focus more on doing them. Now that you know how to create a quick capture in Notion, you’re ready to build a setup that’s fast, accessible, and built for your mind.

Get Super’s bi-weekly Notion Newsletter