11 Best Tips on How to Make Notion Faster

Large content volume

Every block you add—text, table, image, or embed—adds weight to your page. A few blocks aren’t a problem, but as pages grow, load times stretch. Pages packed with embeds and large media files load slower, especially when multiple databases are linked on the same page.

Complex databases

Databases are powerful, but too much complexity hurts performance. Nested relations, formulas, and rollups demand extra processing time. The more connections and calculations a database needs to process, the slower it becomes.

High-resolution media files

Large images, especially from Unsplash, are common culprits. These files are loaded in full resolution, which puts extra load on your workspace. GIFs are even worse. They add movement but also significantly slow down page speed.

Widgets and third-party embeds

Widgets like clocks, weather updates, or counters may seem harmless. However, each widget calls out to an external server. These constant data requests slow down how quickly Notion can load your page.

Local system overload

Notion's performance isn’t just about what’s inside the app. If your device is running multiple apps or dozens of browser tabs, it can strain memory and CPU. A heavy system load leads to slower Notion performance, especially in the browser version.

1. Use the Notion desktop app

The browser version of Notion is convenient, but it’s not always the fastest. Using the desktop app can speed things up. It taps directly into your computer’s resources, offering smoother performance.

The desktop app stores data locally, reducing the constant need to fetch information from the internet. This can make a huge difference if you're juggling large databases or multiple pages.

You can download the official app directly from Notion's website. For mobile users, make sure your Notion app is updated to the latest version. New updates often fix performance lags.

2. Compress all images before uploading

Large, high-quality images can weigh down your pages. Every time you load a Notion page with oversized files, it slows down performance. Compressing your images keeps the visual quality without the unnecessary bulk.

Tools like TinyPNG and Squoosh are perfect for reducing file sizes.

Bonus tip: Stick to JPG or WEBP formats for better compression without losing clarity.

How-to:

• Step 1: Upload your image to TinyPNG.
• Step 2: Download the compressed version.
• Step 3: Upload the smaller file to your Notion page.

Keeping your visuals lightweight helps your pages load quickly and reduces frustration.

3. Avoid using Unsplash cover images

Unsplash integration in Notion is easy to use but not always the best choice for speed. Most Unsplash images are high-resolution and uncompressed. Every time you open a page, Notion loads the full image, slowing you down.

A better option is uploading your own compressed images. This ensures faster load times and better control over file sizes.

Another bonus? Create simple custom banners using Canva. Export them in smaller file formats to keep them light without losing the aesthetic touch.

4. Simplify your databases

Databases are powerful, but they can also be the reason behind a slow Notion experience. Complex structures with too many properties, relations, and rollups make loading heavier.

A lighter database not only loads faster but is easier to work with. Use filters on simple properties like Select, Date, or Status instead of advanced formulas or multiple rollups.

How-to:

• Step 1: Audit your database and identify unused or heavy properties.
• Step 2: Hide or remove fields you rarely need.
• Step 3: Apply filters that pull from simple fields for quicker performance.

This small cleanup keeps your workspace running smoothly without compromising functionality.

5. Use toggles to nest content

Long pages filled with detailed text or heavy sections can take longer to load. Nesting content inside toggles helps reduce the initial data load.

When you place long sections within a toggle block, Notion loads less content upfront. This not only improves speed but also makes your workspace easier to scan.

It’s especially useful on mobile devices. Smaller screens benefit from cleaner layouts, and toggled sections keep things neat and fast.

6. Limit embedded widgets

Widgets can be helpful, but they also slow down your pages. Calendars, clocks, weather updates, each widget sends constant data requests. This creates a lag every time your page loads.

To avoid this, limit the number of widgets on each page. Keep only the ones you actually need. For better performance, nest widgets inside toggle blocks. By hiding them at first, you defer their loading until they are opened. This small change can noticeably speed up your workspace.

7. Archive or delete unused content regularly

Over time, unused pages build up in your workspace. Old to-do lists, finished projects, or outdated documents create clutter and slow down performance.

Routine cleanups help keep Notion running smoothly. Back up your workspace first to avoid losing important data.

How-to:

• Step 1: Backup your workspace by going to Settings → Export All.
• Step 2: Archive or delete pages and databases you no longer use.
• Step 3: If you need something back, restore it from the Trash.

Keeping your workspace lean improves both speed and organization.

8. Adjust database load limits

Large databases load slowly because Notion tries to pull in too many items at once. The default settings load all entries, which can bog down your workspace.

Adjust the load limits to show fewer items, such as 10 to 25 rows. This keeps the database lighter and faster to open.

How-to:

• Step 1: Click on View Options inside your database.
• Step 2: Set load limits under view options.

This simple tweak can make your large databases feel lighter and more responsive.

9. Clear cache periodically

Caches help apps load faster, but over time, they get bloated. In Notion, an old or overloaded cache can make your workspace slow and unresponsive.

Regularly clearing your cache frees up space and gives Notion a clean start.

Instructions:

• Desktop app: Reset App and Clear Local Data from the menu.
• Windows: Navigate to C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Notion and delete the Notion folder.
• Browser: Clear cookies and site data specifically for Notion.

A clear cache helps maintain speed and avoids unnecessary lags.

10. Use a tree folder structure for pages

A clear, organized structure speeds up search and load times. Instead of scattered pages, build a tree-like hierarchy.

Start with a root page and branch out into main categories. For example:

• Root Page → Pillars (e.g., Business, Education) → Subpages.

This structure helps Notion locate and load your pages faster. It also makes navigation smoother, especially as your workspace grows.

11. Minimize third-party extensions and tools

Third-party tools can add new features, but too many of them slow things down. Extensions like Notion Enhancer or heavy browser plugins pull resources and can make Notion lag.

Stick to the essentials. Disable or remove any browser extensions you don't use regularly. A cleaner setup leads to better speed and fewer disruptions.

Optimize mobile widgets and usage

Mobile screens have less space and power compared to desktops. Heavy pages with large images or endless databases load slowly on smaller devices.

Focus on building smaller, lighter pages for mobile use. Prioritize text-based layouts instead of filling pages with high-resolution images or multiple linked databases.

If you use mobile widgets, keep them minimal. A few essential widgets are fine, but too many can slow down your app. Less is more when keeping your workspace fast and easy to access.

For database-heavy setups, prefer lightweight text databases rather than galleries filled with images. This keeps things quick and smooth even on slower networks.

Keep the app updated

Mobile app updates aren’t just about new features. They often include performance improvements and critical bug fixes.

If your slow issues happen on mobile, check if you're running the latest version. Newer releases are usually optimized for better speed and stability.

Turn on automatic updates for Notion in your device settings. On Android, you’ll find this in Google Play Store settings. On iOS, check the App Store settings to enable updates. Keeping the app fresh helps maintain a fast, stable experience on mobile.