Accessing Notion's Built-in AI Features

Notion AI is an integrated feature directly embedded within the Notion workspace, not a separate plugin system to be installed or accessed externally. Accessing its capabilities happens within any Notion page or database entry where text can be entered.

The AI functionalities are designed to work contextually based on the content present in a block or a selection of text. There is no marketplace or gallery of Notion AI "plugins" in the conventional sense like browser extensions or external app integrations. The AI is a core part of the Notion experience for users with an active AI plan.

How to Activate Notion AI

Accessing Notion AI features is straightforward and occurs directly within the Notion application or web interface. There are two primary ways to initiate an AI request on a page:

1. Using the Spacebar: In any empty block on a Notion page, simply press the Spacebar. This will bring up a menu with AI actions like "Brainstorm ideas," "Write a blog post," "Outline an essay," and more, along with the option to ask the AI anything.
2. Using the / Command: Type / in any block to bring up the command menu. Scrolling down or typing "AI" will reveal the Notion AI options and actions. Selecting an AI command or "Ask AI to write" initiates the AI interface.

If there is existing text in a block or a selection of text on the page, highlighting that text will also reveal a small menu that includes the "Ask AI" option, allowing the AI to work specifically on the selected content.

Using Notion AI within Databases

Notion AI is also accessible within database pages and properties.

• Within Database Pages: When opening a page item from a database (e.g., a task, a note, a project), the content area within that page behaves like a standard Notion page, allowing the use of Spacebar or / commands to access AI features as described above.
• AI Properties: Some database properties can utilize AI to generate content or summaries based on other properties within the same database item. For example, an "AI Summary" property could automatically generate a summary of the content in a "Description" property for each database item. Accessing these involves configuring the database properties, not using a command within the page content.

Understanding "Notion AI Plugins" vs. Notion Integrations

The term "Notion AI plugins" may be based on a misunderstanding. Notion AI itself does not support external plugins that add new AI capabilities in the way platforms like ChatGPT or Figma might. The AI features are developed and integrated by Notion.

However, Notion does support Integrations. These are connections between Notion and other software applications (like Slack, Google Calendar, Jira, etc.). These integrations allow data to flow between Notion and other services. While an integration might involve connecting Notion to another service that uses AI, it is not the same as adding a "plugin" to Notion's built-in AI feature.

Accessing Notion Integrations involves going to the "Settings & Members" menu, selecting "My integrations," and exploring the available options or building custom connections via the Notion API. This is distinct from using Notion AI.

Tips for Effective Use of Notion AI

• Provide Clear Prompts: The quality of the AI output often depends on the clarity and specificity of the input prompt.
• Use Context: Highlight relevant text or ensure the AI command is initiated in close proximity to the content requiring attention.
• Iterate: If the initial output isn't perfect, use the "Ask AI" menu on the generated text to refine, shorten, expand, or change the tone.
• Explore Actions: Familiarize oneself with the pre-defined AI actions available via the Spacebar or / menu (e.g., Summarize, Find action items, Translate, Improve writing) as they are tailored for common tasks.

Notion AI is accessed directly within the workspace, providing assistance for writing, brainstorming, summarizing, and other tasks embedded in the workflow rather than through an external plugin architecture.