Notion's Biggest Update Happened 6 Days ago → here's the recap if you missed it

Notion dropped some major updates at their 'Make With Notion' conference just six days ago.

If you weren't there, this is for you:

What's New?

• Forms: Create and share forms directly in Notion

• Layouts: Customize your database page layouts

• Automations: New formula-based automations and Gmail integration

• Marketplace: Sell your templates on Notion

• Notion Mail: Turn your inbox into a Notion database (coming in early 2025)

• Offline Mode: Currently in alpha

Intrigued? Want more details?

There you go ↓

1. Notion Forms

Notion has been teasing this feature for a while, and now it's finally here! Notion Forms allows you to say goodbye to external survey tools and gather data directly into your Notion databases.

What can you do with Notion Forms?

• Create unlimited forms by typing /form or adding a new view to any database

• Share forms privately or publicly

• Collect anonymous responses

• Use conditional logic (coming soon)

This is perfect for setting up internal helpdesks, expense reports, or collecting feedback!

2. Database Layouts

Notion's new Database Layout Builder gives you more control over how your content is displayed, allowing you to create custom page structures.

What's New?

• Pin up to 4 important properties below page titles

• Group properties on the main page or in a sidebar

• Add modules like photos or numbers for key metrics

• Choose whether to display property icons

Note: Currently, you can only have one layout per database that applies to all pages.

3. New Automations

Notion's Automation features have received a significant upgrade, with 2 powerful new additions:

• Formula Automations: Create complex automations using formulas and automatically change linked database page properties

• Gmail Notifications: Trigger and personalize Gmail notifications directly from Notion using variables and formulas

Here are some practical use cases:

• Set a project to "In Progress" when the first task starts

• Automatically mark all tasks as "Done" when a project closes

• Send email updates to members when a project status changes

4. Notion Marketplace

The Notion Marketplace is replacing the current Template Gallery, turning Notion into a proper marketplace for creators.

Here's what's new:

• Monetization: Sell templates directly on the marketplace with a 10% fee

• User Engagement: Collect buyer emails, enable ratings and reviews, and access sales stats

• Buyer Protection: Templates are locked to prevent unauthorized transfers, with a 14-day refund window

This new marketplace will help users identify the best templates and creators, saving time that might otherwise be spent struggling with bad templates.

5. Notion Mail (coming in early 2025)

Notion Mail, potentially the biggest announcement of the conference, is set to revolutionize how we handle emails within the Notion ecosystem. Currently in alpha, it's expected to launch in early 2025.

Here's what Notion Mail will offer:

• Email inbox functioning like a customizable Notion database

• Organize emails based on workflows, not just by date

• Use shortcuts to avoid manually rewriting emails

• AI-powered features for inbox organization and automatic responses

• Use Notion blocks to write beautiful emails

Note: You can sign up for the waitlist to be among the first to try it!

6. Offline Mode (currently in alpha)

Great news! Notion has confirmed that offline mode is in development and currently in alpha.

This highly requested feature will allow you to access and work on your Notion pages without an internet connection, making Notion even more versatile for users on-the-go. Stay tuned for its release!

What Should You Do Now?

Notion's rolling these updates out gradually, so if you don't see them yet, give it some time. Meanwhile, here are a few steps to help you get started:

1. Try Forms: Set up a form for collecting feedback, feature requests, or surveys.

2. Explore New Layouts: Review your most-used databases and experiment with the new layout options.

3. Set Up Automations: Think about workflows you can automate, especially with the new Gmail integration.

4. Prepare for Notion Mail: Join the waitlist and start brainstorming how you might integrate email into your Notion workflows.

Now!!

Have you already started building cool stuff with these new features?

Share your creations in the comments below.

Let's inspire each other!