What is a Notion Linked Database? How to create one and use it!

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When learning about databases in Notion, you often come across the term "linked database." Are you able to use this feature effectively?

Linked Databases are an essential feature for using Notion's databases effectively.

This time, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way what a linked database is and how to use it in practice!

If you want to learn more about databases, check out this article!

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🎬 Director: Rei
✍🏻 Writer: Mino Kurumi

1.What is a linked database?

As the name suggests, a linked database is a database that is linked. The fact that it is " linked " is the main feature of this function.

At first glance, it may look like a duplicate database, but if there is an arrow mark diagonally to the upper right next to the database title , it is called a "linked database."

A linked database is characterized by the fact that the information contained in it is linked to the original database , so any changes made in the linked database are reflected in the original database as well .

Of course, conversely, changes made in the parent database are also reflected in all linked databases.

2. What you can do with a linked database

We will introduce what you can do with such linked databases and what makes them useful.

2-1. Database can be placed in a different location

Normally, a database can only be placed in the location where it was originally created. Although it is possible to create a copy, it will end up being a completely separate database, separated from the original database.

However, using a linked database makes it possible to paste a database with linked contents into multiple different pages .

Using this, you can, for example, create a home screen that you open first thing each day, and place linked databases such as your diary or habit tracker there.

🔗Click here for more information about the Home Screen!

Being able to collect and organize multiple databases is very convenient as it saves you the trouble of having to go to each page.

2-2. The shape can be changed to fit the page it is placed on

Another feature of linked databases is that while the "contents" of the databases are linked, the "forms" are not .

This "shape" specifically refers to the following items related to the appearance of the database:

• View (type of table)
• Filter
• Sort
• Show/hide properties

Since such items are not linked to the original database, they can be set up individually on the linked database side according to how the page on which they are placed is used.

For example, linked databases can be used in specific situations such as the following.

3.How to create a linked database

Now that you understand the overview of linked databases, let's try creating one and playing around with it.

1. Display the database for which you want to create a linked database, and click "Copy view link" from the "..." in the upper right corner.

2. Paste the linked database where you want it to be located.
3. Click "Create a linked view of the database"

4. A linked database will be created (if an arrow mark appears next to the title, it's OK)

If you try creating a new page from the linked database, you will see that it is reflected in the original database.

Once you've created a linked database, you can arrange it to be more user-friendly by changing the view, using filters, sorting, and showing/hiding properties.

4. Tips for getting the most out of it

Finally, here are some useful points to remember when using linked databases:

When you create a linked database, a title appears above the database by default, but you can hide this.

We recommend hiding the title and using a heading block instead, as this will give a cleaner look.

summary

That's all about linked databases!

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