Used Notion for three years, I decided to switch apps.
Not because Notion isn't good. It's powerful. Just I found myself increasingly not wanting to open it. Every time thinking "go to Notion to record something," after opening seeing screens full of databases and pages, conversely don't want to write.
I want something simpler, warmer.
If you have similar feeling, want to migrate out of Notion, this guide might help.
Why Migrate?
First think clearly why you want to switch.
Notion's strength is structure and system building. Databases, associations, views—these features are godly for project management people. But if you only use Notion to write diaries, take notes, those complex features conversely become burden.
I've seen many people "pretending" to record life with Notion. Actually every day spend more time researching how to build systems than actually writing. This is putting cart before horse.
Apps like CanJournals have different design philosophy. It doesn't give you ability to build systems, it gives you "directly start writing" experience. Template selected, tap fingers and can write. Suitable for people who treat recording as habit not project.
What to Do Before Migration?
Inventory Existing Content
First sort through Notion content.
Which pages are you actually using? Which were impulse built but barely written? Distinguish clearly, when migrating can choose.
Suggest export all pages backup one copy. Notion supports exporting Markdown format, preserves folder structure. In case migration has problem, at least have bottom.
Determine Migration Scope
Not everything needs migrating.
Functional content—project docs, team collaboration, database management—suggest staying in Notion. Journal apps not suitable for this type content.
Personal life content—diaries, reading notes, daily records—can consider migrating.
Think clearly what to move, what can stay or abandon. This step important, can save much effort.
How to Export Notion Data?
Notion officially supports export function.
In page top right click "...", choose "Export". Supports Markdown format export, will package into a zip file. Inside folder structure consistent with your Notion page hierarchy.
If your Notion pages many, export might need few minutes. Wait patiently.
After export complete and unzip, you get bunch of Markdown files and folders.
How to Migrate Journal Content to CanJournals?
This is key question.
CanJournals and Notion data structure quite different. Notion pages can contain arbitrary nested subpages, CanJournals is date-organized diaries and templated pages.
Migration suggestions as below:
Diary type content can directly migrate.
Notion exported Markdown files, CanJournals supports import. After import each diary becomes independent page. Date preserved, content preserved.
Other pages need manual organization.
If you have reading notes, course notes this type content, after migrating need to re-layout. CanJournals templates can help you quickly rebuild structure.
Adjustments After Migration
After migration complete, you might discover some problems.
Templates need redesigning.
Notion page templates and CanJournals template logic different. Originally Notion-built diary system, after migrating need to readapt to CanJournals template structure. Fortunately template center content already quite rich, basically can meet needs.
Habits need rebuilding.
Used Notion for three years, muscle memory already formed. Suddenly switch app, early stage will have adaptation period. Might often subconsciously think "go to Notion write," then discover opened CanJournals.
Give yourself two weeks adaptation. Don't give up because not used to, new things need time.
Don't Pursue One-Step Perfection
Migration thing, no need to pursue perfection.
I've seen people give up halfway through migration because felt "too troublesome, Notion is better after all." This is because they wanted to 100% replicate Notion structure into CanJournals.
Unnecessary. Structure not important, content is important.
You don't need to rebuild your entire Notion system in CanJournals. You only need to migrate truly valuable content, then start writing.
Unused pages just let them stay in Notion. No need to force yourself to move everything over.
What to Do After Migration Complete?
Put journal app in conspicuous position.
Put icon in phone desktop conspicuous position, even build separate folder. Let yourself see it at glance when picking up phone.
Set yourself a small goal.
For example "write diary continuously for two weeks." Goal small, easy to achieve, can help build new habit.
Don't delete Notion backup.
Export files keep for now, in case need to check something can still use. After confirm journal app completely meets needs, then consider cleaning.
Final Words
Switching apps isn't betrayal, it's choice.
Notion is great, just not necessarily for everyone. If you feel it too complex, not warm enough, not happy using, switching to more handy tool is completely fine.
CanJournals is a choice worth considering. Give it try, maybe you'll like me discover recording can be simpler, more pleasant.
Tools are for using, not for serving. Pick one comfortable to use, then write properly.