Create a Database

Learn how to create databases in Notion using the slash command. This guide covers both inline and full page database creation methods, helping you choose the right approach for organizing your content effectively.

Understanding Database Types

Notion offers two types of databases:

• Inline Database - Displays within an existing page, perfect for organizing content alongside other blocks
• Full Page Database - Creates a separate, standalone page dedicated entirely to the database

When to Use Each Type

Choose an inline database when you want to embed structured data within a larger page context, such as a project overview with an embedded task list. Select a full page database when you need a dedicated workspace for managing large amounts of data or want to create a central hub for specific content types.

Navigation

To create a database, you'll need to be on a Notion page. You can create a new page by clicking New Page in your sidebar or navigate to any existing page where you want to add a database.

1

Click anywhere in the content area of your page and type /database to open the database creation menu. This slash command will display all available database options.

2

The database menu will appear with various options. You'll see both Database - Inline and Database - Full page options along with other database views like Table, Board, Timeline, Calendar, and Gallery.

3

Click on Database - Inline to create a database that will be embedded within your current page. This creates a compact database that sits alongside other content blocks.

4

To create a full page database, click in a new area and type /database again. This time, you'll select the full page option instead of the inline option.

5

Click on Database - Full page to create a dedicated database page. This will create a new page entirely focused on your database, with the database taking up the full page space.

Database Configuration

Once you've created your database, you can customize it by:

• Adding custom properties using the Add property button
• Changing the database name by clicking on the title
• Switching between different views (Table, Board, Calendar, etc.)
• Creating new entries using the New button

Best Practices

• Use inline databases for supplementary data that enhances a page's content
• Choose full page databases for comprehensive data management and when you need maximum screen space
• Plan your database structure before creation to avoid extensive reorganization later
• Consider using templates to standardize the structure of database entries

Summary

Creating databases in Notion is straightforward using the /database slash command. Whether you choose an inline or full page database depends on your specific needs and how you want to organize your content. Both types offer powerful features for data management and can be customized extensively to fit your workflow.