How To Install Notion on Debian 12

In today’s digital world, having the right productivity tools is essential for managing tasks, notes, and projects effectively. Notion stands out as an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, tasks, wikis, and databases into a single platform. However, Linux users, particularly those running Debian 12, often face challenges when trying to install and run Notion, as there is no official Linux client. This comprehensive guide explores multiple methods to install Notion on Debian 12, providing detailed instructions for each approach to help you find the solution that works best for your needs.

What is Notion?

Notion is a powerful productivity application that functions as an all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases. It offers a highly customizable environment where users can create structured content using blocks that can contain text, images, tables, lists, and embedded files. Notion’s flexibility makes it suitable for personal task management, team collaboration, project planning, and knowledge management.

Unlike traditional note-taking apps, Notion allows users to build complex systems with relational databases that can be viewed as tables, boards, calendars, or lists. The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it ideal for teams working remotely. Its clean interface and powerful features have made it popular among students, professionals, and organizations seeking to streamline their workflow and information management processes.

With the growing popularity of Notion among productivity enthusiasts, Linux users running Debian 12 need reliable methods to access this tool on their preferred operating system. While Notion doesn’t provide an official Linux client, several effective workarounds exist to bring this powerful workspace to your Debian system.

Prerequisites for Installing Notion on Debian 12

Before proceeding with any installation method, ensure your Debian 12 system is properly prepared to avoid potential issues. First, update your system packages to their latest versions by running the following commands in your terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

These commands refresh your package lists and install available updates, creating a stable foundation for adding new software.

Depending on the installation method you choose, you may need certain dependencies and packages installed. Common requirements include:

• A modern web browser (Firefox, Chromium, or Epiphany)
• Node.js (for certain installation methods)
• Basic development tools (build-essential package)
• Sufficient disk space (at least 500MB for the application)

Consider creating a system backup before proceeding with any significant software installation. This precautionary measure ensures you can restore your system if unexpected issues arise during the installation process.

Additionally, you should check your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) as some installation methods may only support specific architectures. Run uname -m in your terminal to determine your system architecture; most modern systems use x86_64 (also known as amd64).

Method 1: Using Epiphany Browser (GNOME Web)

What is Epiphany/GNOME Web

Epiphany, also known as GNOME Web, is the default web browser for the GNOME desktop environment. This lightweight browser offers a unique feature that allows users to install websites as standalone applications, making it an excellent solution for accessing web-based services like Notion on Linux systems.

The Epiphany approach provides several advantages: it creates a dedicated application window for Notion that feels more native than a regular browser tab, it allows you to access Notion directly from your applications menu, and it separates your Notion workspace from your regular browsing sessions, improving focus and workflow management.

Installation process

To install Epiphany on Debian 12, open your terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install epiphany-browser

After installation completes, verify that Epiphany is properly installed by launching it from your applications menu or by running epiphany-browser in your terminal.

Creating a Notion web application

Once Epiphany is installed, follow these steps to create a standalone Notion application:

1. Open Epiphany browser from your applications menu
2. Navigate to the Notion website (https://notion.so)
3. Log in to your Notion account
4. Click on the three vertical dots (menu) in the upper-right corner of the browser window
5. Select “Install Site as Web Application” from the dropdown menu
6. In the dialog box that appears, you can keep the default name “Notion” or provide a custom name
7. Click “Create” to complete the installation process

After completing these steps, Notion will appear as a standalone application in your applications menu. You can now launch it directly without opening a browser, providing a more native-like experience.

Configuration and optimization

To enhance your Notion experience when using Epiphany, consider these optimization tips:

1. Create a desktop shortcut: Right-click on Notion in your applications menu and select “Add to desktop” for quick access
2. Configure notifications: Enable browser notifications in Notion settings to receive alerts for updates and mentions
3. Adjust window behavior: Use your desktop environment settings to control how the Notion application window behaves (always on top, specific workspace, etc.)
4. Memory management: If you experience performance issues, consider adjusting Epiphany’s cache size and memory usage through its preferences menu

This method provides a simple yet effective way to use Notion on Debian 12 without complex installation procedures. It’s particularly suitable for users who prefer minimal modifications to their system.

Method 2: Using notion-repackaged

Understanding notion-repackaged

The notion-repackaged project offers one of the most comprehensive solutions for Linux users seeking to install Notion. This community-maintained repository provides packaged versions of Notion specifically tailored for Linux distributions, including Debian 12. Two variants are available: the vanilla version, which provides the standard Notion experience, and the enhanced version, which includes additional features and improvements from the notion-enhancer project.

notion-repackaged offers several benefits over browser-based solutions, including better integration with the desktop environment, improved performance for large workspaces, and the ability to use Notion offline (for previously loaded content). It represents the closest experience to an official Linux client currently available.

Repository setup

To install Notion using notion-repackaged on Debian 12, you first need to add the repository to your system. Open a terminal and execute the following commands:

echo "deb [trusted=yes] https://apt.fury.io/notion-repackaged/ /" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/notion-repackaged.list
sudo apt update

The first command adds the notion-repackaged repository to your package sources, while the second refreshes your package lists to include the newly added repository.

When adding third-party repositories, it’s important to understand the security implications. The [trusted=yes] flag tells APT to trust this repository without verification. While notion-repackaged is well-regarded in the community, be aware that you’re trusting the repository maintainers with package installation privileges on your system.

Installation process

After setting up the repository, you can install either the standard or enhanced version of Notion:

For the enhanced version with additional features:

sudo apt install notion-app-enhanced

Or for the vanilla version that closely resembles the official application:

sudo apt install notion-app

Note that you should choose only one version; attempting to install both might cause conflicts.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to add the repository, you can download the appropriate .deb file from the notion-repackaged project and install it manually:

# Download the .deb file (replace URL with the actual download link)
wget https://github.com/notion-repackaged/notion-repackaged/releases/download/v2.0.18/notion-app-enhanced_2.0.18_amd64.deb

# Install the downloaded package
sudo apt install ./notion-app-enhanced_2.0.18_amd64.deb

After installation, you can launch Notion from your applications menu.

Troubleshooting common installation issues

When installing Notion through notion-repackaged, you might encounter several common issues:

1. Sign-in limitations: SSO (Single Sign-On) authentication methods like Google or Apple don’t work with notion-repackaged. Instead, use the “Continue with email” option to sign in. You may need to relaunch the app after signing in for all features to work properly.
2. Dependency problems: If you encounter dependency errors during installation, try running:

   sudo apt install -f

   This command attempts to fix broken dependencies.

3. Permission issues: If the application fails to start due to permission problems, verify the permissions of the installation directory:

   sudo chmod -R a+r /opt/notion-app/

4. Blank screen after launch: This often indicates a rendering issue. Try launching Notion from the terminal to see error messages that might help identify the problem:

   notion-app

   or

   notion-app-enhanced

   depending on which version you installed.

Method 3: Manual Enhancement with notion-enhancer

Prerequisites setup

The notion-enhancer project provides a way to enhance the Notion experience with additional features and customizations. This method involves using Node.js to apply enhancements to an existing Notion installation. Before proceeding, you need to set up Node.js on your Debian 12 system.

Install Node.js and npm using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nodejs npm

Verify the installation by checking the Node.js version:

node --version

Ensure you have Node.js version 16.0.0 or higher, as earlier versions may not be compatible with the notion-enhancer.

Installing notion-enhancer

Once Node.js is properly set up, you can install the notion-enhancer using one of two methods:

Method A: Using npx (recommended)

The npx tool allows you to run packages without permanently installing them:

npx notion-enhancer apply

This command downloads the notion-enhancer package and applies it to your existing Notion installation in a single step.

Method B: Global installation with npm

Alternatively, you can install the notion-enhancer package globally:

npm install -g notion-enhancer
notion-enhancer apply

This method installs the package permanently on your system, making it easier to run enhancement updates in the future.

Both methods will guide you through the enhancement process, which may include selecting which features you want to enable. The process modifies the Notion application files to include the enhancements.

Post-installation configuration

After applying the notion-enhancer, you may need to perform additional configuration:

1. Fix file permissions: If you encounter permission errors when launching Notion after enhancement, run:

   sudo chmod -R a+r /opt/notion-app/

2. Verify the installation: Launch Notion and check if the enhancements are active by looking for the notion-enhancer menu in the application.
3. Configure enhancements: Open Notion’s settings and look for the notion-enhancer section to customize which enhancements are active and how they behave.

If you encounter issues like crashes or blank screens after enhancement, you can revert the changes by running:

notion-enhancer remove

This command removes all enhancements and restores Notion to its original state.

Method 4: Using Alternative Electron Wrappers

Available third-party clients

Several independent developers have created Electron-based wrappers for Notion, offering alternative ways to use the service on Linux. These wrappers essentially package the Notion web app into a desktop application using Electron, providing varying levels of integration with the Linux desktop environment.

Some popular Electron wrappers for Notion compatible with Debian 12 include:

1. Lotion: A lightweight Electron wrapper with basic Notion functionality
2. notion-app: An unofficial Electron application that mirrors the official desktop client
3. notion-snap-reborn: A Snap package that provides Notion functionality with automatic updates

These alternatives may offer different features compared to notion-repackaged, such as different keyboard shortcut implementations or theming options.

Installation steps

The installation process varies depending on the specific wrapper you choose. Here’s how to install notion-snap-reborn, one of the more popular options:

sudo snap install notion-snap-reborn

For GitHub-hosted projects like Lotion, you typically need to clone the repository and build the application:

git clone https://github.com/puneetsl/lotion.git
cd lotion
npm install
npm run build

These commands download the source code, install dependencies, and build the application. The exact commands may vary based on the project, so always refer to the project’s documentation for specific instructions.

Security and performance considerations

When using third-party Electron wrappers, consider the following:

1. Security: Third-party wrappers may not receive regular security updates. Always install from trusted sources and check the project’s activity before installation.
2. Performance: Electron apps consume more system resources than native applications. If you’re using a low-powered system, you might experience performance issues with large Notion workspaces.
3. Feature parity: Unofficial wrappers may lack certain features available in the official Notion clients or might implement them differently.
4. Updates: Check how updates are handled by the wrapper. Some may require manual updates, while others (like Snap packages) update automatically.

Method 5: Browser-Based Access

Optimizing Notion in standard browsers

The simplest way to use Notion on Debian 12 is through a standard web browser. Both Firefox and Chromium (available in Debian repositories) provide excellent support for Notion’s web interface. To install these browsers if not already present:

# For Firefox
sudo apt install firefox-esr

# For Chromium
sudo apt install chromium

To optimize your browser-based Notion experience:

1. Create a dedicated profile: Create a browser profile specifically for Notion to separate it from your regular browsing
2. Install helpful extensions: Consider extensions like “Notion Enhancer for Web” to add extra functionality
3. Enable offline capabilities: In Chromium-based browsers, you can enable some offline capabilities through the Progressive Web App features

Creating desktop shortcuts

To make browser-based Notion feel more like a native application, create a desktop shortcut:

Command-line method:
Create a .desktop file in ~/.local/share/applications/:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/notion.desktop

Add the following content (adjust based on your preferred browser):

[Desktop Entry]
Name=Notion
Exec=firefox-esr --new-window https://notion.so
Icon=notion
Type=Application
Categories=Office;

Save the file and make it executable:

chmod +x ~/.local/share/applications/notion.desktop

GUI method:
Right-click on your desktop or in your applications menu, select “Create Launcher” or similar option, and fill in the details with the appropriate browser command to open Notion.

Enhancing browser experience

To improve your browser-based Notion experience:

1. Use keyboard shortcuts: Learn Notion’s keyboard shortcuts to navigate efficiently
2. Pin the tab: Keep Notion easily accessible by pinning its tab in your browser
3. Enable notifications: Allow browser notifications to stay updated on changes
4. Use reader mode: For reading-heavy Notion pages, browser reader modes can provide a cleaner experience
5. Consider tab managers: Extensions that group related tabs can help keep Notion pages organized

Customizing Your Notion Experience on Debian 12

Auto-start configuration

To have Notion start automatically when you log in to your Debian 12 system, you can configure it as a startup application:

Using systemd user services:
Create a systemd service file:

mkdir -p ~/.config/systemd/user/
nano ~/.config/systemd/user/notion.service

Add the following content (adjust based on your installation method):

[Unit]
Description=Notion
After=network-online.target

[Service]
Type=simple
ExecStart=/usr/bin/notion-app
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=default.target

Enable the service:

systemctl --user enable notion.service

Using desktop environment settings:
Most desktop environments provide a “Startup Applications” or similar tool in their settings. Add Notion to this list to have it launch automatically at login.

Keyboard shortcuts and efficiency

Notion offers numerous keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity. Some essential shortcuts for Linux users include:

• Ctrl+P: Quick Find to navigate to any page
• Ctrl+Shift+L: Switch between dark and light mode
• Ctrl+Shift+N: Create a new page
• Ctrl+/: Show all keyboard shortcuts

You can also create custom keybindings for Notion using your desktop environment’s keyboard settings. This is particularly useful if you frequently use specific Notion functions.

Integration with Debian desktop

Enhance Notion’s integration with your Debian desktop environment:

1. Notification configuration: Ensure your desktop environment is configured to display notifications from your Notion application or browser
2. File handling: Set up file associations to open specific file types with Notion when appropriate
3. Theme integration: Choose a Notion theme that matches your desktop theme for visual consistency
4. Workspace integration: Consider using virtual desktops to dedicate a specific workspace to Notion for better focus

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Authentication problems

When using Notion on Debian 12, you might encounter various authentication issues:

1. SSO limitations: Most unofficial Notion clients have limited support for Single Sign-On (SSO) methods like Google or Apple. If you’re unable to sign in with these methods, try using the email option instead.
2. Cookie and cache issues: If you’re experiencing repeated login prompts, clear your browser cookies and cache:

   # For browser-based method
   In your browser, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data
   
   # For Electron-based clients
   Delete the cache directory (typically located in ~/.config/notion-app/ or similar)

3. Session timeout problems: Some unofficial clients may have issues with session persistence. If you’re frequently logged out, check for updates to your chosen installation method or consider switching to a different method.

Performance optimization

To improve Notion’s performance on Debian 12:

1. Memory limit configuration: For Electron-based clients, you can increase the allocated memory by creating or editing the application shortcut to include memory flags:

   notion-app --js-flags="--max-old-space-size=4096"

   This example increases the memory limit to 4GB.

2. Resource monitoring: Use system monitoring tools to identify performance bottlenecks:

   # Install monitoring tools
   sudo apt install htop
   
   # Monitor resource usage while using Notion
   htop

3. Reduce workspace size: Large Notion workspaces with many embedded files and images can slow down performance. Consider archiving unused content or splitting your workspace into multiple smaller workspaces.

Update and maintenance

Keep your Notion installation current and functioning properly:

1. For notion-repackaged: Check for updates regularly:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

2. For manually installed packages: Check the project’s repository for new releases and follow their update instructions.
3. For browser-based access: Make sure your browser is updated regularly to ensure compatibility with Notion’s web features.

If you encounter persistent issues after an update, consider reinstalling Notion using your preferred method, as configuration files might have been corrupted.

Offline access limitations

Understand the offline capabilities and limitations of your chosen Notion installation:

1. Electron-based clients: These generally offer limited offline access to previously viewed pages, but new content creation may be restricted.
2. Browser-based access: Progressive Web App functionality in browsers like Chrome can provide some offline capabilities.
3. Synchronization issues: If changes made offline aren’t syncing properly once you’re back online, try closing and reopening Notion, or check your network connection.

Comparing Installation Methods

Performance benchmarks

Different installation methods offer varying performance characteristics:

1. Browser access: Generally consumes the most memory, especially with multiple tabs open. Startup time depends on browser loading speed.
2. Epiphany web app: Provides moderate performance with lower memory usage than full browsers. Offers faster startup than regular browser tabs.
3. notion-repackaged: Usually offers the best performance among the methods, with quicker loading times for large workspaces and lower memory usage during extended sessions.
4. Third-party wrappers: Performance varies widely depending on implementation quality. Some may optimize for speed while others focus on feature parity.

Feature support matrix

Not all installation methods support the same features:

1. Offline access: Best in Electron-based methods (notion-repackaged, third-party wrappers)
2. SSO authentication: Most reliable in browser-based methods
3. System integration: Best in notion-repackaged and some third-party wrappers
4. Customization options: Most extensive in notion-enhancer method
5. Update frequency: Most consistent in browser-based method

User experience considerations

Choose your installation method based on your priorities:

1. Simplicity: Browser-based access requires minimal setup but lacks desktop integration
2. Native feel: notion-repackaged provides the most native-like experience
3. Customization: notion-enhancer offers the most personalization options
4. Reliability: Browser-based access tends to be most reliable as it uses the officially supported web interface

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Notion. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Notion on the Debian 12 “Bookworm” system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Notion website.