Are you having trouble figuring out how to link databases in Notion?
In this article, we’ll show you how to link databases in Notion and create dynamic interconnected pages.
A database is a feature in Notion that allows you to store and view your data productively. The biggest difference between a Notion database and say, a spreadsheet, is the fact that you can change the format of the database. It doesn’t have to be only in a table format; you can make the exact same database appear as a timeline, a list or a gallery, and more.
How To Make a Database
Open Notion and go to the left-hand side of the screen. In the left menu, you’ll see the + sign to add new pages. Click on it and a new page will be added to your Notion workspace.
You’ll see options for the different database types. Select the format in which you want your database to appear. For the purpose of this article, let’s say you select Table.
Click on the bar with the + sign that says, “New database”.
A table format of the database will appear on your screen.
Go ahead and fill the rows and columns with whatever information you need.
Suppose you want to make your Company Goals database.
Congrats! You just made your first database.
What if you want it to appear differently? Click on the three-dotted icon on the right side of the table on top.
A menu will drop down. Select the Layout option.
You will see multiple options. Choose whichever option you prefer. For example, if you select Board, then your format will change, like so.
If you selected “Board”, then your database will appear like this:
Now that we've seen what a database is and the various layouts that come with it, let’s come to the question of how to link a Notion database to another page.
How To Link Notion Database to Another Page
Linking databases is a great way to show the same database on different pages within your Notion workspace.
So now that your database is ready, you want to show it on a page, say, a dashboard.
It takes hardly a few seconds to do so. Follow the step-by-step guide below to achieve it.
The first step is to make sure that you have your main database ready.
Next, go to the page where you want to display the linked view of the main database.
Now, there are two ways you can link an existing database.
Method 1: Adding a New Block
Move your cursor over the + sign on the left side of the page where you want to link the database.
A drop-down menu will appear on the screen. Scroll down to the Database section and click on the option that says “Linked view of database”.
It’ll ask you to select the source for the database. Enter the name of the database and select it from the list.
Your database will now appear on the page.
Method 2: Using the Command Shortcut
This method is quicker and requires less number of steps. Go to the page where you want to link the database. Type /linked and options will start appearing in the menu. Press the Enter key and the block will be added to the page. It’ll ask you to select the source for the database. Select the one you want to show.
Your database will now appear in the dashboard.
Can You Edit Linked Databases?
No, you cannot make any changes to the linked database. Remember that this linked database will be a copy of the original. So you can view, filter, and sort this, without changing the original one.
But if you edit any of the actual properties from this linked database, then it will show up in the original one.
Following the same steps as above, you can link as many databases as you wish.
What if someone can’t see the linked database? You need to make sure they have access to view the original database, otherwise, they won’t be able to view the linked one.
But what if I don’t want them to make any changes to the database? Check out our guide on how to lock your database.
What if I Want To Delete a Database?
Move your cursor over the multi-dotted icon.
When you click it, a menu will drop down. Select the “Delete” option.
Conclusion
You can check out some great templates for databases or dashboards over here.
We hope all your doubts have been cleared in this tutorial guide. If you have any queries, drop a comment below; we would love to help you out!
