Quick answer
Open a database, add a new property, choose Relation as the property type, then select the database you want to connect. Notion creates a matching relation property in the linked database automatically. To display an existing database elsewhere, type /linked database and select the source database instead.
Steps at a glance
- Open the database where you want to add a link
- Add a new property and set its type to Relation
- Select the database you want to connect to
- Toggle the two-way relation to link both databases
- Add a rollup property to pull in related data
- Type /linked database to embed an existing database elsewhere
- Filter or sort the linked view to fit your needs
Summary
Linking databases in Notion lets you connect records across different databases using relation properties, or display an existing database in a new location with a linked database view. Both methods let you avoid duplicate data entry while keeping information connected across your workspace.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the source database
Navigate to the database you want to link from and open it as a full page. If you haven't set one up yet, review /guides/notion/create-a-database first to build the structure you'll be connecting.
Step 2
Add a Relation property
Click the + icon next to your existing column headers to add a new property. Set the property type to Relation, which is the core tool for linking records between two databases.
Step 3
Select the database to connect
A menu will appear listing all databases in your workspace. Choose the one you want to link to — this can be any database you have edit access to, including ones in shared workspaces.
Step 4
Turn on the two-way relation
Toggle 'Show on [database name]' so the connected database also displays a matching relation property. This means edits made from either side stay in sync. For a deeper walkthrough of this property, see /guides/notion/add-a-relation.
Step 5
Add a rollup to pull in data
Add another property and set its type to Rollup, then choose the relation you just created. Rollups let you display, sum, or count values from the linked database directly, like showing a task count for each client.
Step 6
Create a linked database view (optional)
To show an entire existing database on a different page without duplicating it, type /linked database in any page and select the source. This creates a live view you can filter and arrange independently — learn more in /guides/notion/create-a-linked-database.
Step 7
Filter and adjust the linked view
Click Filter at the top of the linked view to show only relevant rows, such as tasks assigned to a specific person. See /guides/notion/filter-a-database for detailed filtering options that keep large linked views manageable.
Why this matters
You're managing a project tracker and a client database separately, but need to see which tasks belong to which client without copying data. Linking databases lets you connect the two, so updates in one place automatically reflect everywhere that record appears.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a relation and a linked database view?
A relation connects individual records between two databases, like linking a task to a client. A linked database view displays an entire existing database on a new page without duplicating its data.
Can I link databases across different workspaces?
No. Relations and linked database views only work within the same Notion workspace. To move data between separate workspaces, you'll need to export and import it manually.
Does linking databases work on the free plan?
Yes, relation properties and linked database views are available on Notion's free plan. Page history limits and file upload caps apply, but linking itself has no restriction.
Will changes sync in real time?
Yes. Both relations and linked database views update instantly across every page where they appear, since they all reference the same underlying data.
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