How to import a document into Notion

Learn how to import Word, PDF, CSV, Markdown, and HTML files into Notion using the built-in importer or slash command.

Quick answer

To import a document into Notion, open Settings from the workspace menu, select Import, then choose your file type—Word, PDF, CSV, Markdown, or HTML—and upload it. Alternatively, type /import on any page and pick the importer. Notion converts the file into pages automatically, preserving formatting like headings, lists, and tables where possible.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open Settings from the workspace menu in the sidebar
  2. Click Import under Workspace
  3. Choose the file type or app to import from
  4. Select your document file and upload it
  5. Wait for Notion to process and convert the file
  6. Review the new page and adjust formatting

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Summary

Notion's importer lets you bring documents, spreadsheets, and notes from other apps directly into your workspace as fully editable pages. It supports common file types like Word, PDF, CSV, Markdown, and HTML, plus direct migration from apps like Evernote, Trello, and Confluence.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Open the Import panel

    Click your workspace name at the bottom left of the sidebar, then select Settings from the menu. In the Settings window, click Import in the left panel under Workspace.

  2. Step 2

    Choose your file source

    Notion displays a list of import options, including Text & Markdown, Word, CSV, HTML, PDF, and third-party apps like Google Docs, Confluence, Asana, Evernote, and Trello. Click the option that matches your file type or the app you're migrating from.

  3. Step 3

    Upload your file

    After selecting a file type, click Choose files (or drag the file into the box) and pick the document on your computer, then click Continue. The panel accepts DOCX, CSV, PDF, text, Markdown, HTML, EPUB, and ZIP files, so convert other formats before uploading.

  4. Step 4

    Or use the slash command shortcut

    You can also start an import without leaving a page: type /import on an empty line and pick the importer you need, such as Word or Text and Markdown, from the menu.

  5. Step 5

    Wait for the import to finish

    Notion shows an Import complete message with a Go to import button when the conversion finishes. Earlier imports are listed on the Completed tab of the Import panel.

  6. Step 6

    Review the imported page

    Once the import completes, a new page appears in your sidebar with the same name as your original file. Open it to check that headings, lists, and tables converted correctly, and use add blocks to fill in anything that didn't carry over.

  7. Step 7

    Clean up and share the page

    Adjust spacing, headings, or fonts so the imported content matches the rest of your workspace — see how to change the font if needed. When it's ready, use share a page to give teammates access to the imported document.

Why this matters

You've got years of notes scattered across Word docs, PDFs, or another note-taking app, and switching to Notion means moving all that content over without retyping everything. Importing lets you preserve your existing structure and start organizing in Notion right away.

Frequently asked questions

  • What file types can I import directly into Notion?

    The Import panel accepts Word (.docx), CSV, PDF, plain text, Markdown, HTML, and EPUB files, plus ZIP archives of them — each file inside a ZIP becomes its own page.

  • Can I import content from other apps besides file uploads?

    Yes. The Import panel also lists apps such as Google Docs, Confluence, Asana, Evernote, Trello, Monday.com, Quip, and Workflowy for migrating pages, tasks, or notes.

  • Is there a file size limit when importing on the free plan?

    Yes. The Text & Markdown importer shows a 5 MiB limit per file, up to 10 files at a time, and ZIP files can be up to 5 GB. If a document is too large, split it into smaller files before importing.

  • Can teammates in my workspace also import documents?

    Import lives in workspace Settings, so teammates use the same Import panel. If you need to bring in more collaborators first, check the guide on how to [add members](/guides/notion/add-members) to your workspace.

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