TL;DR: Create a new page, type /database, choose Inline or Full page, then add properties and rows to structure your data. Notion databases are just customizable tables, boards, or lists that store anything from tasks to reading lists.
Step 1: Create a Page and Insert a Database
Open Notion and click “+ New Page.” Give it a name like “Project Tracker.” On the empty page, type /database and select “Database – Inline” to embed it in the page, or “Database – Full page” for a standalone view. Notion creates a default table with a Name column and three empty rows.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on Decentralized Physical Infrastructure: The End of Centralize.
Step 2: Add Properties (Columns)
Click the + icon at the far right of the header row to add a property. Choose a type: Text, Select, Date, Person, Checkbox, Number, or Formula. For a task tracker, add “Status” (Select: To Do, Doing, Done), “Due Date” (Date), and “Priority” (Select: High, Medium, Low). Rename the default “Name” column to “Task” by clicking its header.
Step 3: Add Rows and Fill Data
Click any empty row and type a task name. Press Tab to move across columns and fill each property. For Select properties, type a new option and press Enter to create it on the fly. Add ten rows to see how sorting and filtering behave with real data.
Step 4: Switch Views and Filter
Click the + next to your current view name (e.g., “Table”) to add a Board, Calendar, or Gallery view. Use the Filter button to show only “Priority = High,” and Sort by “Due Date” ascending. Each view shares the same data but displays it differently.
Tips for Beginners
Keep your first database under five properties to avoid overwhelm. Use Select instead of Text for repeated values—it enables filtering. Press Ctrl/Cmd + / to see all database shortcuts. Duplicate a row with Ctrl/Cmd + D. If you outgrow a table, switch to Board view without losing data.
FAQ
Q: Can I move a database to another page?
A: Yes. Hover over the database, click the six-dot handle, and drag it to any page in your sidebar. Or use “Move to” in the ⋯ menu.
Q: What’s the difference between Inline and Full page databases?
A: Inline databases sit inside an existing page with other content around them. Full page databases open as their own dedicated page with more horizontal space.
Q: How do I delete a property or row?
A: Click a property header, choose “Delete property” from the menu. For a row, hover its left edge, click the six-dot handle, and select “Delete.”
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