Use Template Buttons
Learn how to create template buttons in Notion that automatically insert predefined content blocks, database templates, and other structured content with a single click.
This guide explains how to create template buttons in Notion that automatically insert predefined content blocks, database templates, and structured layouts with a single click. Template buttons are powerful automation tools that streamline repetitive content creation and help maintain consistency across your workspace.
When to Use Template Buttons
Template buttons are ideal for teams and individuals who frequently create similar content structures. Common use cases include:
- Quickly adding task lists or project trackers to pages
- Inserting standardized content blocks like meeting notes templates
- Creating consistent database structures across different pages
- Automating the creation of recurring content formats
Understanding Template Button Capabilities
Template buttons in Notion can perform several types of automated actions:
- Insert blocks: Add any content blocks including text, databases, toggles, and more
- Create database entries: Automatically add new records to existing databases
- Edit database properties: Update existing database records with predetermined values
Navigation
Template buttons can be created on any Notion page. You can access your workspace through the sidebar navigation and select the page where you want to add automation functionality.
Open the Notion page where you want to add a template button. This could be a team dashboard, project page, or any location where you want to provide quick access to template content.
Click in the content area where you want the button to appear, then type /button to access the button block options. This opens Notion's block menu with button-related options.
From the dropdown menu, select Button to create a new template button block. This will insert a button configuration interface into your page.
In the button name field, replace the default text with a descriptive name that clearly indicates what the button will do. For this example, we'll use New Button, but in practice, use names like "Add Task List" or "Create Weekly Report".
Choose button names that clearly describe the action they perform. This helps team members understand the button's purpose at a glance.
Click the New action button to define what happens when users click your template button. This opens the action configuration options where you can specify the automation behavior.
From the action menu, select Insert blocks. This action type allows your button to automatically add any type of content blocks to the current page, including databases, text blocks, toggles, and more.
Click in the content configuration area to define what blocks will be inserted when the button is pressed. This opens an editor where you can specify the exact content structure that will be automatically added to your page.
Type / to open the block menu and select the type of content you want the button to insert. You can add any block type available in Notion, including text, databases, images, embeds, and more.
Select Database - Inline from the block menu. This allows you to insert a database that appears inline with your page content, perfect for creating task lists, inventories, or any structured data collection within your template button.
From the database template options, select Tasks Tracker or another relevant template. Notion provides various pre-built database templates that include appropriate properties and structure for different use cases like task management, inventory tracking, or content planning.
Click Get started to initialize the selected database template. This sets up the database structure with predefined properties and formatting that will be inserted whenever someone clicks your template button.
Click Done to complete the template configuration. This saves the database template structure that will be automatically inserted when the button is clicked.
Click the final Done button to complete the template button setup. Your button is now configured and ready to use. The button will appear on your page with the name you specified and the automated action you defined.
Click on your newly created New Button to test its functionality. The button should automatically insert the Tasks Tracker database template into your page below the button location.
Each time you click the button, it will insert a new instance of the configured content. This allows for creating multiple copies of templates as needed.
After clicking the button, verify that the Tasks Tracker database appears on your page with the correct structure and properties. The database should include predefined columns for task management such as task name, status, assignee, and due date.
Advanced Template Button Configuration
Beyond basic block insertion, template buttons offer sophisticated automation capabilities:
Multiple Actions per Button
You can configure a single button to perform multiple actions simultaneously. For example, a button could insert a task database, create a new page in a projects database, and send a notification to team members.
Dynamic Content Generation
Template buttons can include dynamic elements that change based on when they're clicked, such as:
- Automatic date insertion using the current date
- User information (who clicked the button)
- Sequential numbering for recurring templates
Best Practices for Template Buttons
Strategic Placement
Position template buttons in logical locations where team members will naturally look for them. Consider adding them to:
- Team dashboards for easy access to common templates
- Project pages where specific templates are frequently needed
- Process documentation to provide instant access to workflow templates
Clear Naming Conventions
Use descriptive, action-oriented button names that immediately communicate their purpose. Examples include:
- "Add Sprint Planning Template"
- "Create Weekly Report Structure"
- "Insert Meeting Notes Template"
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Button Not Appearing
If your template button doesn't appear after creation:
- Ensure you clicked "Done" to complete the button setup
- Refresh the page to reload the button configuration
- Check page permissions to ensure you have edit access
Template Content Not Inserting
If clicking the button doesn't insert the expected content:
- Verify that the template content was properly configured during button creation
- Check if there's sufficient space on the page for the content insertion
- Ensure no conflicting page restrictions are preventing content addition
Template buttons require edit permissions on the target page. Users with view-only access cannot use template buttons to modify page content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can modify template buttons after creation. Click on the button while in edit mode, then select the settings icon to access configuration options. You can change the button name, modify actions, and update template content.
A single template button can perform multiple actions simultaneously. You can add multiple "Insert blocks" actions, combine them with database operations, or include notification actions to create complex automation workflows.
Template buttons can insert content on the current page and create entries in databases located on other pages. However, the block insertion action only works on the page where the button is located.
While template buttons are powerful, they work best with moderately complex templates. Very large or deeply nested content structures may experience performance limitations. Consider breaking complex templates into multiple focused buttons.
Conclusion
Template buttons are powerful automation tools that can significantly improve team productivity by standardizing content creation and reducing repetitive tasks. By following this guide, you've learned how to create buttons that automatically insert database templates and other structured content.
Start by creating simple template buttons for your most common content needs, then gradually expand to more complex automation workflows as your team becomes comfortable with the feature. The time invested in setting up template buttons will pay dividends in improved efficiency and consistency across your Notion workspace.