# How to Create Notion Research Documentation Using Codex Skills: A 4-Step Workflow

> Learn how to create Notion research documentation in 4 steps. Automate source gathering, selection, synthesis with citations, and publishing using Codex skills.

- Repository: [Composio/awesome-codex-skills](https://github.com/composiohq/awesome-codex-skills)
- Tags: tutorial
- Published: 2026-04-26

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**Create Notion research documentation by executing a four-stage pipeline that gathers sources via `Notion:notion-search` and `Notion:notion-fetch`, selects from four standardized formats defined in the format selection guide, synthesizes findings with inline `<mention-page>` citations, and publishes through `Notion:notion-create-pages` according to the SKILL.md specification.**

The Codex Skills framework in the ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills repository provides a structured approach to transform raw Notion data into polished research documentation. This skill automates the research workflow through Model Context Protocol (MCP) calls, enabling you to generate citation-rich documents directly within your Notion workspace.

## The Four-Stage Research Pipeline

According to [`notion-research-documentation/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/notion-research-documentation/SKILL.md), the workflow follows four distinct stages designed to ensure accuracy, proper attribution, and consistent formatting across all research outputs.

### Stage 1: Gather Sources via MCP Calls

Begin by searching your Notion workspace using `Notion:notion-search` with a focused query. When multiple pages match your criteria, the skill prompts for confirmation before proceeding to avoid incorrect source selection.

Next, execute `Notion:notion-fetch` to retrieve each page's content. Extract key sections while recording the page URL and ID for later citation. This step ensures you have the raw material needed for synthesis while maintaining traceability back to original sources.

### Stage 2: Select the Document Format

The [`reference/format-selection-guide.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/reference/format-selection-guide.md) file defines a decision tree that maps research goals to one of four supported formats. Choose the template that aligns with your audience and time constraints:

| Format | Length | When to Use | Template File |
|--------|--------|-------------|---------------|
| **Research Summary** | 500–1000 words | Default for most research requests | [`research-summary-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/research-summary-template.md) |
| **Comprehensive Report** | 1500+ words | Formal documentation, strategic decisions | [`comprehensive-report-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/comprehensive-report-template.md) |
| **Quick Brief** | 200–400 words | Time-sensitive updates or simple topics | [`quick-brief-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/quick-brief-template.md) |
| **Comparison** | 800–1200 words | Evaluating multiple options side-by-side | [`comparison-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/comparison-template.md) |

### Stage 3: Synthesize and Structure Findings

Before writing the final document, outline your findings by grouping insights thematically or by research question. Follow the formatting guidelines detailed in the selection guide, utilizing proper headings, bullet lists, tables, and code blocks.

Insert citations immediately after each claim using the `<mention-page url="...">Page Title</mention-page>` syntax. This creates bidirectional links between your research document and the source pages, maintaining context for future readers.

### Stage 4: Create and Publish the Notion Page

Execute `Notion:notion-create-pages` with your chosen template. The payload must include:

- **Title** and **date** (auto-filled or supplied)
- **Structured sections**: Executive Summary, Key Findings, Recommendations, Sources
- **Inline citations** using the mention-page syntax
- A dedicated **Sources** section at the document end

For subsequent updates or follow-up tasks, use `Notion:notion-update-page` to append new insights without recreating the entire document.

## Complete Workflow Implementation

The [`examples/market-research.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/examples/market-research.md) file demonstrates end-to-end execution using YAML-structured steps to orchestrate MCP calls:

```yaml

# 1️⃣ Search Notion workspace

- step: Notion:notion-search
  query: "AI coding assistants market"

# 2️⃣ Fetch the top 3 source pages

- step: Notion:notion-fetch
  ids:
    - "page-id-1"
    - "page-id-2"
    - "page-id-3"

# 3️⃣ Choose format (Decision Tree selects Comprehensive Report)

# 4️⃣ Create the document using the comprehensive template

- step: Notion:notion-create-pages
  template: "comprehensive-report-template.md"
  data:
    title: "AI Coding Assistants Market Research – Oct 2025"
    executive_summary: |
      The AI coding assistant market is experiencing 150%+ YoY growth...
    key_findings:
      - heading: "Market Size and Growth"
        content: |
          $800M in 2024 → $2.5B projected by 2026.
          Source: <mention-page url="https://www.notion.so/...">Market Trends Q3 2025</mention-page>
    recommendations:
      - "Monitor Cursor growth and feature releases"
      - "Evaluate Cody's codebase-aware capabilities"
    sources:
      - "<mention-page url=\"https://www.notion.so/...\">Market Trends Q3 2025</mention-page>"
      - "<mention-page url=\"https://www.notion.so/...\">AI Tools Competitive Analysis</mention-page>"

```

## Template Structure Example

The [`reference/quick-brief-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/reference/quick-brief-template.md) provides a concise structure for time-sensitive researchoutputs:

```markdown

# AI Coding Assistants – Quick Brief

**Date**: 2025-10-30

## Summary

AI coding assistants are seeing rapid adoption; Copilot holds ~60% market share, while niche tools grow quickly.

## Key Points

- **Growth**: 150% YoY, $800M → $2.5B (2024 → 2026)  
- **Leaders**: Copilot, Cursor, Tabnine, Cody, CodeWhisperer  
- **Trends**: Context-aware suggestions, multi-modal interfaces

## Action Items

1. Track Cursor feature releases weekly.  
2. Set up a demo of Cody for the security team.

## Sources

- <mention-page url="https://www.notion.so/...">Market Trends Q3 2025</mention-page>

```

## Summary

- Execute `Notion:notion-search` and `Notion:notion-fetch` to gather and extract source material from your workspace
- Choose from four standardized formats (Research Summary, Comprehensive Report, Quick Brief, Comparison) defined in [`format-selection-guide.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/format-selection-guide.md)
- Use `<mention-page url="...">` syntax for inline citations that create bidirectional links to source pages
- Publish via `Notion:notion-create-pages` using the appropriate template from the `reference/` directory, and update existing pages with `Notion:notion-update-page`

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What MCP calls are required to create Notion research documentation?

You need three primary MCP calls: `Notion:notion-search` to locate relevant pages, `Notion:notion-fetch` to retrieve content and metadata, and `Notion:notion-create-pages` to publish the final document. For subsequent modifications, use `Notion:notion-update-page` to append new findings or tasks without rebuilding the entire document.

### How do I handle citations when synthesizing research in Notion?

Insert citations immediately after each claim using the `<mention-page url="...">Page Title</mention-page>` syntax. During the gather stage, record each page's URL and ID when executing `Notion:notion-fetch` to ensure accurate attribution in the final Sources section.

### Which document format should I choose for executive decision-making?

Select the **Comprehensive Report** format (1500+ words) for formal documentation and strategic decisions. This template, defined in [`comprehensive-report-template.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/comprehensive-report-template.md), includes extensive sections for methodology, detailed analysis, and actionable recommendations suitable for stakeholder review.

### Where is the complete skill workflow defined in the repository?

The complete workflow, error handling procedures for missing MCP connections, and step-by-step actions are defined in [`notion-research-documentation/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/notion-research-documentation/SKILL.md) within the ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills repository. The [`reference/format-selection-guide.md`](https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-codex-skills/blob/main/reference/format-selection-guide.md) file contains the decision tree and detailed formatting rules.