Lotion

Lotion is an open-source desktop app specifically designed to provide a native experience for Linux users. It functions as a wrapper for Notion.so, adding desktop-level integrations and interface enhancements that are absent from the web version. The application is available for Linux via .deb, .rpm, and portable zip formats, and also supports macOS and Windows.

The software focuses on improving the workflow for knowledge management and project organization by introducing a multi-tabbed interface. Users can manage multiple pages simultaneously without relying on a web browser, utilizing a system that allows tabs to shrink and scroll horizontally when the window is crowded. It includes a variety of customization options for the visual appearance and provides standard desktop utility features like spell check and keyboard shortcuts for navigation and zooming.

Key features

• Multi-tab interface with drag-and-drop reordering, pinning, and dynamic titles
• Frameless window design with a custom 32px title bar and integrated navigation
• Ten built-in themes including Dracula, Nord, Gruvbox Dark, and Catppuccin
• System-theme synchronization that automatically toggles light and dark modes
• Custom CSS support for creating and applying user-defined themes
• Integrated spell check with multi-language support and right-click suggestions
• Session restore option to reopen tabs upon application launch
• Optional native window decorations to use the desktop environment's standard chrome

Built with Electron and Node.js, Lotion uses a Redux store to manage state for tabs and windows. It is primarily intended for Linux users who require a dedicated application for their workspace but prefer a more integrated experience than a browser tab. The architecture allows for the injection of custom CSS to override internal styling properties, enabling users to target specific selectors like .notion-dark-theme to change page backgrounds and accent colors. It also ensures that zoom shortcuts work consistently across various international keyboard layouts, such as Spanish and German.

Lotion serves as a community-driven bridge for users on platforms where official native support is limited.