How to Create Cross-Doc References in Coda

Learn how to pull live tables from one Coda doc into another using the Cross-doc pack, so your data stays synced automatically.

Quick answer

To create cross-doc references in Coda, open the destination document, click Insert in the top toolbar, select Packs, and add the Cross-doc pack. Choose the source document and table you want to reference, then confirm the sync. The referenced table updates automatically whenever the source data changes, keeping both docs aligned.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open the doc where you want the cross-doc reference.
  2. Click Insert in the top toolbar and choose Packs.
  3. Find and add the Cross-doc pack to your document.
  4. Select the source document and the table to reference.
  5. Drag the referenced table into your doc layout.
  6. Adjust sync settings and confirm permissions for both docs.

Summary

Cross-doc references let you pull a live, synced copy of a table from one Coda document into another without copying and pasting data manually. This is useful for teams that split work across multiple docs but still need shared data, like a master task list or customer database, to stay consistent everywhere it appears.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Open the destination document

    Open the Coda document where you want the referenced table to appear. This is typically the doc that needs access to data living in a separate file, such as a project dashboard that pulls from a shared resource list.

  2. Step 2

    Open the Insert menu and select Packs

    Click the 'Insert' button in the top toolbar, then choose 'Packs' from the dropdown menu. This opens the Packs gallery, where you can browse integrations and built-in tools, similar to how you'd browse options when you use packs for other integrations.

  3. Step 3

    Find and add the Cross-doc pack

    Search the Packs gallery for 'Cross-doc.' This pack is designed specifically to let you reference data from other Coda documents. Click 'Add to doc for free' to install it — no separate account or paid plan is required for basic cross-doc syncing.

  4. Step 4

    Select the source document and table

    Once the pack is installed, you'll be prompted to pick the source document and the specific table you want to pull in. Choose the document, then select the exact table or view containing the data you need.

  5. Step 5

    Place the synced table in your doc

    Drag the referenced table onto the canvas and position it wherever makes sense in your layout. You can treat it much like a regular table, including adding filters or sorting, though editing the underlying data should happen in the source doc.

  6. Step 6

    Check permissions and sharing access

    Cross-doc references only work if you have access to both documents, so confirm sharing settings are correct before relying on the sync for collaboration. Review how you set permissions on the source document to make sure teammates viewing the destination doc can see the referenced data.

  7. Step 7

    Test the sync by updating the source table

    Go back to the source document and change a value in the original table. Return to your destination doc and confirm the referenced table updates automatically, verifying the cross-doc connection is working as expected.

Why this matters

You've built separate docs for different teams or projects, but they all need the same source data — like a shared customer list or budget table. Instead of manually updating each copy, cross-doc references let you sync one master table everywhere, saving time and preventing outdated information.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is the Cross-doc pack available on Coda's free plan?

    Yes, the Cross-doc pack can be added to documents on the free plan, though usage limits may apply depending on your account's row and doc caps.

  • Can I edit a cross-doc referenced table directly?

    No, referenced tables are read-only copies synced from the source. To change the data, edit the original table in its source document, and the update will flow through automatically.

  • Do both documents need to be owned by the same person?

    No, but whoever views the destination doc needs access permissions to the source document as well, since the reference pulls live data across both files.

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