Troubleshooting Notion formatting and display issues often requires a mix of basic app resets, understanding Notion's unique formatting tools, and applying targeted workarounds for specific problems. The most common solutions include resetting the app to clear local data corruption, restarting the application to refresh the interface, and using Notion's built-in drag-and-drop or column features for layout adjustments. For persistent issues—like missing formatting bars or AI-generated content formatting errors—users report success with manual formatting adjustments or template-based workarounds.

Key findings from available sources:

• Resetting Notion (via "Force reload" or "Reset & Erase All Local Data") resolves many display glitches, but requires re-login ^[1].
• Formatting bar disappearance can often be fixed by closing and reopening Notion, though this is a temporary workaround ^[2].
• Side-by-side layouts require dragging blocks until a blue vertical line appears; columns are unsupported on mobile ^[6].
• AI-generated content may misapply Markdown; instructing the AI to use Notion’s native formatting commands (e.g., /heading instead of ) improves results ^[5].

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Notion Formatting Issues

Resolving Interface and Display Glitches

Notion’s interface issues—such as missing toolbars, frozen blocks, or incorrect rendering—often stem from local cache corruption or temporary software bugs. The most reliable fixes involve resetting the app or adjusting how content is loaded.

For desktop/web users, the official reset process clears local data without affecting cloud-synced content:

• Navigate to View → Force reload in the menu bar to refresh the app state ^[1].
• If issues persist, select Help → Troubleshooting → Reset & Erase All Local Data, then log back in ^[1].
• On mobile, uninstall and reinstall the app; data syncs automatically upon re-login ^[1].

For temporary glitches like a disappearing formatting bar:

• Close and reopen Notion entirely—this resolves the issue for most users, though it’s not a permanent fix ^[2].
• If the problem recurs, check for running Notion processes in your system’s task manager and force-quit them before relaunching ^[1].

Additional steps for persistent bugs:

• Try accessing Notion on a different device or browser to isolate whether the issue is local ^[7].
• Enable Developer Console (F12 in browsers) to capture error logs if contacting support ^[7].
• For login or sync issues, verify your internet connection and check Notion’s status page for outages ^[4].

Fixing Layout and Formatting Problems

Notion’s flexible block system allows complex layouts but can lead to unintended formatting quirks. Common issues include misaligned columns, unformatted AI-generated text, and limitations in tables or mobile views.

Columns and Side-by-Side Content

To place text and images side by side:

1. Click and drag the left edge of a block (e.g., a text or image block) until a vertical blue line appears ^[6].
2. Release to create a column. Adjust width by dragging the divider.
3. Limitations: - Columns are not supported on mobile—content will stack vertically ^[8]. - Nested columns (columns within columns) may behave unpredictably; simplify layouts if blocks overlap ^[8].

AI-Generated Content Formatting

When AI tools (e.g., Zapier, LateNode) generate content with incorrect Markdown (e.g., Heading instead of Notion’s native /heading command):

• Instruct the AI to use Notion’s slash commands (e.g., /h1, /bullet) instead of Markdown symbols ^[5].
• Paste as plain text (Ctrl+Shift+V) to strip formatting, then reapply styles manually ^[5].
• Use a template: Create a pre-formatted Notion page and direct the AI to populate it without altering structure ^[5].

Text Formatting in Tables

Notion tables do not support direct text formatting (e.g., bold, italics) within cells. Workarounds include:

• Generating bold text in an external tool (e.g., Word, Google Docs) and pasting it into the table ^[9].
• Using emoji or symbols (e.g., ⭐ Important) to visually emphasize content ^[9].
• Converting tables to databases for richer formatting options (e.g., colored tags, relations) ^[8].

Mobile-Specific Issues

• Editing differences: Mobile lacks drag-and-drop columns; use the toolbar to add content sequentially ^[3].
• Full-width toggle: Enable in page settings to maximize screen space for readability ^[3].
• Markdown shortcuts: Supported on mobile (e.g., bold), but slash commands (/) may require tapping the + icon first ^[3].