What In-Center Peek does and when to use it

In-Center Peek is a Notion feature that lets you preview the contents of a linked database or page without leaving your current view. Instead of clicking a link and navigating away, you hover over or click a linked item and a preview window opens in the center of your screen. This keeps you in your workflow and saves you from opening multiple tabs or windows.

In-Center Peek works on database links, page links, and relation properties. It is most useful when you are scanning through a list and need to quickly check details about multiple items without committing to a full page view. Once you close the peek window, you return exactly where you were.

The feature is turned on by default in most Notion workspaces, but the method to open it depends on your device and the type of link you are using.

Key Takeaways

  • In-Center Peek opens a preview window for linked pages or database items without navigating away from your current view.
  • On desktop, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click a link, or hover over a link and click the peek icon that appears.
  • On mobile, tap and hold a link, then select "Open in peek" from the menu that appears.
  • You can close a peek window by clicking the X button, pressing Escape, or clicking outside the window.
  • In-Center Peek works on page links, database relations, and linked database blocks, but not all link types support it.

Opening In-Center Peek on Windows and Mac

The fastest way to open In-Center Peek on desktop is to use a keyboard shortcut while clicking. Hold down Ctrl (on Windows) or Cmd (on Mac) and click the link you want to preview. The peek window will open immediately in the center of your screen.

If you prefer not to use a keyboard shortcut, you can also hover your mouse over any link. After a moment, a small icon that looks like an arrow or expand symbol will appear next to or on the link. Click that icon to open the peek window. The exact appearance of this icon varies slightly depending on your Notion version, but it is always clickable and appears when you hover.

Once the peek window is open, you can scroll through the preview, click links within it, or interact with properties just as you would on the full page. The window stays open until you close it, so you can review as much as you need.

Opening In-Center Peek on iPhone and Android

On mobile devices, the process is different because there is no hover state. To open In-Center Peek on your phone, tap and hold (long-press) the link you want to preview. A menu will appear with several options, including "Open in peek" or "Preview".

Tap that option and the peek window will open. On smaller screens, the preview takes up most of the display, but you can still close it and return to your list by tapping the X button or tapping outside the preview area. Some older versions of the Notion mobile app may not support In-Center Peek; if you do not see the option, update the app from your device's app store.

When In-Center Peek does not work

In-Center Peek works on most link types in Notion, but there are exceptions. It works reliably on page links, database relations, and linked database blocks. However, external links (URLs pointing outside Notion) and some embedded content will open in a new tab or window instead of a peek.

If you click a link and it does not open in peek, the link type may not support the feature. You can still navigate to the page normally by clicking without the keyboard shortcut. If you believe a link should support In-Center Peek and it is not working, check that your Notion app is up to date, as older versions sometimes lack this feature.

Customizing peek behavior in your workspace

Notion does not offer per-user settings to disable In-Center Peek, but workspace administrators can control some aspects of how links behave. If your workspace has custom link settings or if your administrator has restricted certain features, In-Center Peek may behave differently than described here.

If you find that In-Center Peek is not working as expected across your entire workspace, ask your workspace administrator to check the sharing and link settings for the database or page you are trying to preview. In rare cases, permission restrictions can prevent peek from opening.

Closing a peek window and returning to your view

To close an In-Center Peek window, click the X button in the top right corner of the preview. You can also press the Escape key on your keyboard, or click anywhere outside the peek window to dismiss it. On mobile, tap the X or tap outside the preview area.

When you close the peek, you return to exactly the same position in your original view. Your scroll position, filters, and any other settings you had active remain unchanged. This makes it safe to open and close peeks repeatedly without losing your place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my link open in a new tab instead of a peek?

External links and some embedded content types do not support In-Center Peek and will open normally. If a Notion page link is opening in a new tab, try updating your Notion app or browser. You can also try the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Click or Cmd+Click) to force a peek if your version supports it.

Can I open a peek inside a peek?

Yes. If you click a link within a peek preview, it will open a second peek window. You can nest peeks several levels deep, though this can become hard to navigate on smaller screens. Close the innermost peek first to work your way back out.

Does In-Center Peek work on relation properties?

Yes. Relation properties that link to other database items support In-Center Peek. Hover over or click the relation link and use the same method (Ctrl+Click on Windows, Cmd+Click on Mac, or long-press on mobile) to open the preview.

What is the difference between In-Center Peek and opening a page normally?

In-Center Peek shows a preview in a floating window and keeps you in your original view. Opening a page normally navigates you to that page and replaces your current view. Peek is faster for quick checks; opening normally is better when you need to spend time editing or reviewing a full page.

Can I edit content inside a peek window?

Yes, you can edit most properties and content within a peek preview just as you would on the full page. However, some complex edits or layout changes may require you to open the page fully. If you need to make significant changes, close the peek and open the page normally.