how to change task colors on notion

2 min read 20-01-2025

Notion's flexibility extends to its visual appeal. Customizing task colors helps organize and prioritize your projects. This guide shows you how to change task colors in Notion, boosting your productivity and visual appeal. We'll cover various methods, from simple color changes to more advanced techniques using properties and formulas.

Understanding Notion's Color Options

Before diving in, let's clarify how Notion handles colors. Notion doesn't directly assign colors to tasks themselves. Instead, you manipulate colors through properties, primarily using properties like checkboxes, select properties, or status properties.

Method 1: Using Checkboxes and Color-Coded Checkboxes

This is the simplest method for visually differentiating tasks.

Add a Checkbox Property: In your Notion database, add a checkbox property. This will represent your tasks.
Complete the Task: Check the box when a task is complete. Notion does not inherently change the color of completed checkboxes. However, you can enhance this through method 3 or external plugins.

Method 2: Employing Select Properties for Color-Coded Tasks

This method offers more granular control.

Create a Select Property: Add a "Select" property to your database. This allows you to categorize tasks.
Define Options and Colors: Add options like "High Priority," "Medium Priority," "Low Priority." For each option, assign a specific color. To do this:
- Click the three dots next to the Select property name.
- Select "Customize Property."
- Click the color picker next to each option to choose its color.
Assign Colors to Tasks: Select the appropriate option for each task. The color will automatically reflect your selection. This is a great way to visually prioritize your to-do list.

Method 3: Leveraging Status Properties for Advanced Color-Coding

Status properties offer even more sophisticated color customization, especially helpful for Kanban boards.

Add a Status Property: Add a "Status" property. This is ideal for tracking the progress of a task (e.g., "To Do," "In Progress," "Done").
Set Custom Colors: Similar to Select properties, customize the colors for each status.
Visual Task Management: Use the color-coded statuses to create a visual Kanban board, instantly showing task progress.

Method 4: Utilizing Formulas for Dynamic Color Changes (Advanced)

For advanced users, formulas allow for dynamic color changes based on conditions. This requires familiarity with Notion formulas.

Add a Formula Property: Add a "Formula" property.
Write a Formula: Use formulas to conditionally assign colors based on other properties. For example, you might assign a red color if a "Due Date" property is overdue.
```
if(prop("Due Date") < now(), "red", "green")
```
This formula turns the task red if the due date is past, and green otherwise. Experiment with different formula structures to create your desired color logic.
Customize Colors: Assign colors to your formula's results within the formula property settings.

Tips for Effective Color-Coding

Consistency: Stick to a consistent color scheme for better readability and organization.
Meaningful Colors: Choose colors that convey meaning. For example, red for urgent tasks, green for completed tasks.
Accessibility: Consider color blindness. Ensure sufficient contrast between colors for readability.
Less is More: Avoid using too many colors, as this can make your Notion workspace cluttered and confusing.

Conclusion

Changing task colors in Notion significantly enhances its visual organization. Whether you use simple checkboxes or advanced formulas, choosing the right method improves your workflow and makes managing your projects a breeze. Remember to experiment with different methods to find the best approach for your specific needs and preferences. Effective color-coding is key to maximizing Notion's productivity potential.