Format text, links and inline code in Notion on Mac
With text selected in Notion on Mac, Command-B applies bold, Command-I italic, Command-U underline, Command-K a link and Command-E inline code. Select characters first so the command acts on the intended wording.
Notion · Reviewed 2026-11-05 · Review method
Platform, keyboard and verification notes
- Scope
- Notion · Notion for Mac; desktop-only commands are identified. English/QWERTY documentation checked 4 November 2026.
- Keyboard and customization
- English documentation and US-style key names. Punctuation and function keys can differ on other layouts.. These are documentation-backed defaults, not a hands-on test. App settings, operating-system shortcuts, extensions and keyboard layout can change what happens. Check focus and the current app menu or shortcut settings when a binding differs.
- Review basis
- Documentation reviewed 2026-11-05 by Codex — source and editorial review; no runtime test. These bindings were not tested in a running app for this guide.
Mac shortcuts for this workflow
| Action | Keys | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Command-B | Emphasize selected text. Source ↗ |
| Italic | Command-I | Apply italic to the selected words. Source ↗ |
| Underline | Command-U | Underline the current text selection. Source ↗ |
| Link | Command-K | Add a destination to selected wording. Source ↗ |
| Inline code | Command-E | Format a selected term as inline code. Source ↗ |
Select the words that carry the meaning
Use character formatting after drafting a clear sentence. A short field name can be inline code, while a document title can be a descriptive link. Avoid turning every sentence into emphasis; readers should be able to identify the instruction without needing to interpret a page full of competing styles.
Understand why Command-K changes behavior
Notion uses this combination for page search in other contexts and for links when text is selected. If a search panel opens, check whether your intended words were actually selected. If a link editor opens, inspect both the visible label and destination before confirming it. The same keyboard sequence can represent a different task because focus changed.
Inspect the result in ordinary reading context
After formatting a short passage, move the caret away and read the sentence as a visitor would. Make sure punctuation has not been unintentionally included in a link or code span. Practice on a scratch paragraph and use the normal editing controls to correct it before applying the method to a shared reference or important specification.
Sources and corrections
- Notion keyboard shortcuts — Notion Help — checked 2026-11-04
Found a mismatch? Email pashaseenainc@gmail.com with your app version, macOS version, keyboard layout and the command. Please leave personal document names out.
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