Databases in Notion are essentially collections of pages that you can customize to meet your or your organization’s needs. You can insert information to form your plans, manage your data, or collaborate with others.
However, Notion can be overwhelming for a beginner. This article will try to help you overcome the difficulties of a Notion newbie and create your first database.
Create a notions database
Notion databases can be described as intelligent file cabinets that can contain thousands of pages. Like Excel and OneNote, Notion differs in the following aspects:
- Each database item can be opened as a new page and edited accordingly.
- You can customize each database item by adding more context to them, such as dates, deadlines, links, participants, etc.
- Databases can be viewed in several ways, not just as a table.
To create your first database, you will need to set up an account. You can sign in with an email, Google account, or Apple account. Then, simply choose what you’ll use Notion for (personal use, your team, or school) and you’re done.
From the beginning, you will be provided with pre-designed templates to get you started. You will also learn the basic concepts that will help you form your first database.
You can create a database in Notion in two ways:
- Click “Add a page”
- Start typing “/database” and choose a database from the dropdown menu
How to customize your database
Now you can start customizing your database however you want.
- Choose one of six database layout options: table, dashboard, list, gallery, calendar, or timeline.
- In the right panel, you can select a data source to link content from an existing database in your workspace or click “+ New Database” to start over.
- At the top of the page, you can name your new database.
- Every database design already has certain guidelines and a structure that you can fill out. Note that a table has a name, labels, and date by default, but you can change them and add as many rows and columns (called “properties” in Notion) as you need for your project.
- Once you add a new item (such as the name of a project participant), you can open the item as a new page by hovering over it and clicking “Open.”
- There you can write any other details that you do not think are necessary in the main p of the database.
- Add tags, comments or properties.
- Once you’ve finished creating your database, you can move it around your workspace or add it to existing pages.
How to add properties to a Notion database
Properties refer to pieces of information that will appear on every page that you store in a single database. They are mainly used to classify and filter data. You can uncheck which ones you want to show and which ones you don’t. That gives you a better overview of the database.
As mentioned, you can add as many properties as you need. They come in various forms such as dates, checkboxes, formulas, URLs, etc. You can change and add properties as columns or add a property for each row entry.
Here’s how to add a property to a table in Notion:
- Click the “+” icon in the last column of the table.
- Choose a property type.
- Customize the property by editing its name, selecting or removing its icon, etc.
If you choose a property like “Status”, you can add as many status options as you need, such as “Not Started”, “In Progress”, and “Ready”, change the color of each status option. or display them as checkboxes.
You can hide each property by clicking on it and selecting “Hide from view.” In the same context menu you can duplicate them, delete them or show them in ascending or descending order.
Once you customize a property, you won’t need to press “Save” or a similar button. It will be saved to the table as you do it.
How to add more database views
Views in Notion databases allow you to view the same information in different layouts. You will find this to be a useful feature as you create your own databases and enter more and more information over time.
Some designs just don’t do their information justice after a while. For example, if you started with a table layout and added more date-oriented information, you’ll probably want to switch to a calendar layout.
Fortunately, there is no need to create a new database and add the same information again. You can simply add another view with a different layout while keeping the initial view intact.
Here’s how to add a view to an existing database:
- Click the “+” icon next to the name of your existing view.
- Enter a view name and select the view layout.
- Customize the new view.
Each view has its own menu that allows you to filter out any information that doesn’t fit your layout. You can hide, sort, or filter certain properties for the best data organization. What you modify in one view will also be modified in other views in the same database. But the way you customize a view won’t affect other views.
Frequent questions
What does database locking do in Notion?
Locking a view in a Notion database will prevent others from changing the views and properties of your database. However, they can still modify the content within the database as they wish. Additionally, anyone who has access to your account can unlock the view.
Who can edit my Notion database?
You’ll find Notion collaboration options by clicking the “Share” button at the top of the page. There you can edit who can view, comment, edit or duplicate your database. Then you just need to copy the database link and forward it to whoever you want.
Organize your workspace with Notion
Notion databases are a perfect solution for organizing your workspace and keeping up with your daily tasks. You can even use it for your personal life to make travel plans, organize events, or keep track of your finances. Notion offers many features that you can use to manage all aspects of your life in one place.
Have you already tried creating a database in Notion? If so, what was the database for? Tell us in the comments p below.
