Notion

How to Copy a Notion Template to Another Account

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Notion

Switching between Notion accounts but want to take your favorite templates with you? You're not alone. Many of us have found ourselves needing to move a well-loved Notion template from one account to another. Whether it's for personal organization, work, or sharing with friends. Here's how you can do it with ease and efficiency. We'll walk through the steps, offer practical tips, and throw in some relatable scenarios to make this process smooth and straightforward.

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Why Move Templates Between Accounts?

First off, let's talk about why you might want to move a template between accounts. It could be something as simple as transitioning from a personal to a professional account. Or maybe you've been collaborating on a project with a colleague who set up the initial workspace. Now it's time to take the reins. Whatever the reason, knowing how to move your templates can save you time and keep your workflow seamless.

Imagine you've just set up a killer project management dashboard in your personal Notion account. Your team at work could benefit from it too. That's where transferring templates comes in handy. Or perhaps you're switching jobs and need to bring your carefully curated content planning system to your new role. Transferring your templates ensures you don't have to start from scratch.

Preparing Your Template for Transfer

Before we jump into the nuts and bolts of transferring a template, it's wise to ensure everything is set up correctly. Think of this as packing a suitcase for a trip: you want to make sure you've got all the essentials before you set off.

  • Review the Content: Make sure your template is up to date and organized. If it contains sensitive information, consider removing or anonymizing it.
  • Check for Dependencies: Ensure that any linked databases or pages are also included in the transfer. If they're not, you might end up with broken links.
  • Back It Up: Always a good idea to have a backup before making any major changes. You can export your Notion page as a PDF or Markdown file just in case.

Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to move on to the transfer process. It's like making sure you've zipped up your suitcase and double-checked your itinerary before heading to the airport.

Steps to Duplicate a Notion Template

The process of duplicating a template is quite straightforward, but it's always nice to have a step-by-step guide. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open the Template Page: Navigate to the page in Notion that you want to duplicate. Think of this as walking into your favorite café to order your usual.
  2. Click on the Three Dots: In the upper-right corner of the page, click on the three-dot menu. A dropdown should appear.
  3. Select "Duplicate": From the dropdown menu, select "Duplicate." This action copies the page, almost like ordering an extra coffee to go.
  4. Move the Duplicate: Once the page is duplicated, it will appear in the same workspace. You can then move it to another workspace or account by dragging it to the desired location in the sidebar.

And just like that, you've got a copy of your template ready to move to a new account. It's as easy as grabbing an extra cup of coffee for a friend.

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How to Move a Duplicated Template to Another Account

Now that you've duplicated your template, it's time to move it to another account. This part requires a bit of account management. Don't worry. It's simpler than you might think.

  1. Log Out of Your Current Account: First, log out of the Notion account where your template currently resides.
  2. Log Into the Destination Account: Sign in to the Notion account where you want to transfer the template.
  3. Share the Duplicated Page: Go back to the original account and share the duplicated page with the email linked to the new account.
  4. Accept the Share: In the new account, accept the shared page. It will appear in your workspace.
  5. Duplicate the Shared Page: Finally, duplicate the shared page in the new account to make it a standalone page.

There you go! Your template is now successfully moved to a new account. It's a bit like finding your luggage at the baggage claim after a smooth flight. Everything's intact and ready to go.

Handling Linked Databases and Pages

If your template includes linked databases or pages, you'll need to take a few extra steps to ensure everything works correctly in the new account. Here's how to manage those links effectively:

  • Check Existing Links: After moving your template, open the links to make sure they direct to the correct databases or pages in the new account.
  • Recreate Links if Necessary: If any links are broken, you might need to recreate them. This could mean duplicating and moving the linked databases or pages separately.
  • Update Permissions: Make sure the permissions for the linked content are set correctly, so you and your team can access everything you need.

Handling linked content might feel a bit like untangling a set of Christmas lights, but with a little patience, you'll have everything neatly set up in no time.

Sharing Templates with Team Members

Sometimes, you'll want to share a template with team members without actually transferring it to another account. Here's a straightforward way to do that:

  1. Share the Template: Use the "Share" button to invite team members to view or edit the template. You can control their access level based on your needs.
  2. Set Permissions: Decide whether team members can edit, comment, or just view the template. Tailor the permissions to suit your project requirements.
  3. Communicate Clearly: Let your team know how they should use the template and any guidelines they should follow.

Sharing templates within a team can be like passing around a recipe card at a family gathering. Everyone gets to enjoy the dish, but you still hold the original.

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Using Spell for Document Collaboration

While Notion is an excellent tool for organizing and planning, sometimes you need a more powerful document editor for drafting and collaborating on written content. That's where Spell comes into play.

With Spell, you can create high-quality documents in seconds, thanks to its built-in AI. Need to draft a report or write a proposal? Spell can generate a first draft in no time. Plus, you can edit your documents using natural language prompts - no more copy-pasting between tools!

Spell also offers real-time collaboration, just like Google Docs, but with AI capabilities baked right in. So whether you're working on a project with your team or drafting a solo piece, Spell makes the process faster and more efficient.

Tips for Creating Effective Templates

When it comes to templates, a little planning can go a long way. Here are some tips to help you create templates that are not only effective but also easy to transfer and share:

  • Keep It Simple: A straightforward template is easier to use and adapt to various situations. Focus on the core elements and avoid unnecessary complexity.
  • Use Clear Labels: Label sections and fields clearly, so anyone using the template knows exactly what to do. Think of it like putting up clear road signs to direct traffic.
  • Test Before Sharing: Use the template yourself to ensure everything works as expected. This helps you identify any potential issues before sharing it with others.

These tips can help you create templates that are not only useful but also easy to manage, share, and transfer between accounts.

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Moving templates between Notion accounts is usually straightforward, but sometimes you might encounter a hiccup or two. Here are a few common challenges and how to tackle them:

  • Permissions Issues: If you're having trouble accessing a shared template, double-check the permissions. Make sure you have the necessary access rights.
  • Broken Links: If links to databases or pages are broken, you might need to recreate them in the new account. It's a bit like fixing a broken chain on a bike. Tedious but necessary for smooth operation.
  • Account Confusion: When managing multiple accounts, it's easy to get them mixed up. Keeping a list of your accounts and their purposes can help you stay organized.

While challenges can be frustrating, they're usually solvable with a bit of patience and attention to detail. And remember, you're not alone. Everyone runs into a snag now and then!

Final Thoughts

Transferring Notion templates between accounts doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding the steps and potential challenges, you can ensure a smooth process. And when it comes to drafting documents, Spell can be a real time-saver. With AI-powered document creation and collaboration, you can focus on what really matters. Making your ideas come to life.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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