Quick answer
Open the database you want to connect, click the + button to add a property, choose Relation as the property type, then select the second database from the list. Notion links the two, adding a matching relation column to the other database automatically, so both stay in sync.
Steps at a glance
- Open the first database you want to connect
- Click + at the end of the column headers
- Select Relation as the property type
- Choose the second database to link to
- Toggle whether to show the relation on both sides
- Click Add relation to confirm
- Link individual records by selecting pages in the new column
Summary
A relation property connects records across two separate Notion databases, letting you see which items in one table are linked to items in another. It's the feature that turns standalone tables into a connected system, similar to how a spreadsheet's lookup works but visual and two-directional.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the database you want to link from
Navigate to the database where you want the relation to start, such as a Customers table. If you haven't set up your databases yet, follow the guide on how to create a database first, since relations require at least two existing databases in your workspace.
Step 2
Add a new property
In table view, scroll to the right end of your column headers and click the + button. This opens the property type menu where you'll choose what kind of data the new column holds.
Step 3
Select Relation as the property type
Scroll through the list or search for 'Relation' in the property type menu. Click it to open the relation configuration panel, where Notion will ask which database you want to connect to.
Step 4
Choose the database to connect
A search box appears listing databases in your workspace. Type the name of the second database, such as Items Purchased, and select it from the results. If you organized your data using a table view, it will show up here automatically.
Step 5
Decide whether to show the relation on both sides
Notion gives you a toggle labeled 'Show on [database name]' which, when enabled, adds a matching relation column to the second database automatically. Leave it on if you want to see connections from both directions, or turn it off if you only need one-way linking.
Step 6
Confirm and populate the relation
Click Add relation to save the property. Then open individual pages or click into the relation cell on each row to select which records from the other database should be linked.
Step 7
Verify the connection works both ways
Switch to the second database and confirm the new relation column appeared with the correct linked pages. If you plan to pull data from these connected tables into external tools, check the integrations guide for setup details.
Why this matters
You're tracking customers in one database and orders in another, and you need to see which customer placed which order without duplicating data. Adding a relation connects the two instantly, so updates in one place reflect everywhere, saving you from manual copy-pasting and mismatched records.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a relation between databases in different workspaces?
No, relation properties only work between databases that exist in the same Notion workspace. To connect data across workspaces, you'd need to duplicate or manually recreate the database first.
Does adding a relation change my existing data?
No, adding a relation property just creates a new empty column. Your existing rows and properties stay untouched until you manually link specific records.
What's the difference between a relation and a rollup?
A relation connects records between two databases, while a rollup pulls a specific value, like a sum or count, from those connected records into the current database's view.
Can I remove a relation without deleting the linked pages?
Yes, deleting a relation property only removes the connection and column, not the pages themselves. Your original database records stay fully intact.
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