Notion

How to Link Things in Notion

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Notion

Notion is a versatile tool, perfect for organizing your thoughts, projects, and everything in between. But if there's one feature that stands out, it's the ability to link things together. Imagine seamlessly connecting your tasks, notes, and databases, all in one place. This article is all about how to do exactly that. We'll explore how to create links in Notion. Helping you build a system that works like a well-oiled machine. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the world of linking in Notion.

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Before we get into the specific steps, it's helpful to know what types of links you can create in Notion. It's like having a toolbox with different tools for different tasks. In Notion, you can create three main types of links: page links, database links, and URL links. Each serves a unique purpose and can be used to tailor your workspace to your needs.

Page Links: These links connect one Notion page to another. They're like secret passageways between your rooms of information. You can use them to navigate easily between related content, making sure you never lose track of important details.

Database Links: If you're working with databases in Notion, linking them can turn a simple list into a powerful information hub. This type of link allows you to create relations between different databases, enabling you to pull in data from various sources and see everything in one place.

URL Links: Want to link an external website or resource? URL links are your friend. They allow you to connect information from outside Notion, bringing in extra resources that complement your in-app content.

Understanding these link types and their functionalities will set you up for success as you build your Notion workspace. Now, let's roll up our sleeves and see how you can create these links.

Linking Notion Pages: The Simple Way

Linking pages within Notion is straightforward. It's a great way to keep related content just a click away. Here's how to do it:

  • Open the Page: Start by opening the page you want to link from. Let's say it's your "Project Ideas" page.
  • Highlight the Text: Find the text you want to turn into a link. Highlight it by clicking and dragging over it.
  • Create the Link: With the text highlighted, press Ctrl + K (or Cmd + K on a Mac). A pop-up will appear, allowing you to search for the page you want to link to.
  • Select the Page: Type in the name of the page you're linking to, such as "Marketing Plan," and select it from the dropdown list that appears.

And that's it! You've now created a link that takes you directly to the "Marketing Plan" page whenever you click on the linked text in "Project Ideas." This simple linking trick helps keep your workspace interconnected and efficient.

Database Linking: Creating Powerful Connections

Database linking is where Notion really shines, especially for those juggling multiple projects or datasets. Linking databases can transform how you manage information, making complex projects feel more manageable.

Here's how to link databases:

  • Create a Relation: Open the database you want to link. Click on Add a Property and choose Relation from the property type menu.
  • Select the Target Database: Once you've selected Relation, a window will pop up prompting you to choose the database you want to link to. For instance, you might link a "Tasks" database to a "Projects" database.
  • Establish the Relationship: After selecting the target database, Notion will automatically create a new column in your source database. This column allows you to pull in entries from the target database, creating a dynamic connection.

Imagine having a "Projects" database where each project is linked to its corresponding tasks in a "Tasks" database. This setup ensures that all your information is interconnected, reducing the chance of missing crucial details. It's like having a bird's-eye view of your projects, with each piece of the puzzle in clear sight.

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Embedding links in Notion is a nifty trick for those who want to integrate content visually into their pages. Whether you're embedding a Google Doc, a YouTube video, or even a Spotify playlist, Notion makes it easy to keep everything in one place.

Here's how to embed a link:

  • Copy the URL: Go to the site you want to embed, such as a YouTube video, and copy the URL.
  • Add a Block: In your Notion page, click on the + button to add a new block.
  • Select Embed: From the block menu, choose Embed. Paste the URL into the box that appears.
  • Customize Display: Once embedded, you can adjust the size and positioning to fit your layout preferences.

Embedding links not only keeps your workspace tidy but also adds a layer of functionality. It's perfect for creating dashboards or collections of resources, all viewable without leaving Notion. So, the next time you're working on a project, think about the content you reference most often and consider embedding it.

URL links are a simple but powerful way to connect your Notion workspace to the outside world. Whether you're linking to a research article, an interesting blog post, or a handy online tool, URL links can keep all your references at your fingertips.

To create a URL link in Notion:

  • Highlight the Text: Select the text you want to use as a link.
  • Insert the URL: Use Ctrl + K (or Cmd + K on a Mac) to bring up the link editor. Paste your URL into the box.
  • Save the Link: Press Enter to save your link.

Now, clicking on the linked text will open the URL in a new tab, taking you directly to the resource. It's a convenient way to keep your most-used online resources just a click away, streamlining your workflow and saving time.

Backlinks are one of those hidden gems in Notion that can make your workspace feel more connected and intuitive. They allow you to see where a page is referenced elsewhere in your workspace, providing context and insight you might otherwise miss.

To use backlinks:

  • Link Pages: As you create links between pages, Notion will automatically generate backlinks.
  • Find Backlinks: At the top of a page, you'll see a Linked to section, showing you all the pages that link back to the current page.
  • Explore Connections: Click on any of these backlinks to navigate to the referring page, allowing you to trace the flow of information.

Backlinks are like a breadcrumb trail, guiding you through your interconnected web of information. They help ensure that nothing important gets lost in the shuffle. It's a bit like having a built-in map that shows you how all the pieces of your workspace fit together.

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Linking to Specific Blocks for Precision

Ever wanted to link directly to a specific block of text or content within a Notion page? You can do that! Linking to specific blocks allows for precise navigation, directing attention exactly where it's needed.

Here's how to link to a specific block:

  • Find the Block: Hover over the block you want to link to, and you'll see a ⋮⋮ icon appear on the left.
  • Copy Link: Click on the ⋮⋮ icon and choose Copy Link from the dropdown menu.
  • Create the Link: Paste this link anywhere in Notion, and it will direct you straight to that specific block when clicked.

This feature is particularly useful for longer documents or pages with lots of content. It ensures that whoever's using the link lands exactly where they need to, without having to scroll through unrelated information. It's like having a GPS for your content!

Linking with Synced Blocks: Keeping Content Updated

Synced blocks are a newer feature in Notion, and they allow you to keep content updated across multiple locations. By linking synced blocks, you ensure that any changes made in one place are automatically reflected everywhere else.

Here's how to use them:

  • Create a Synced Block: Highlight the content you want to sync and choose Turn into Synced Block from the menu.
  • Duplicate the Synced Block: Once created, you can copy and paste this synced block anywhere else in Notion.
  • Update Content: Any changes made to one synced block will automatically update all linked versions.

Synced blocks are a lifesaver for repetitive content, like meeting notes or project guidelines. They ensure consistency and accuracy, no matter how often the information is used. It's like having a master copy that you can access from anywhere, reducing the risk of outdated or conflicting information.

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Real-World Applications of Linking in Notion

Now that we've covered the technical aspects, let's look at some practical ways you can use linking in Notion to enhance your productivity:

  • Project Management: Link tasks to projects and resources to ensure you have all relevant information at your fingertips.
  • Research and Learning: Use backlinks and URL links to keep track of sources and related topics.
  • Content Creation: Embed multimedia links to integrate videos, articles, and other resources directly into your content.
  • Collaboration: Use synced blocks to share updated information across teams, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

The possibilities are endless. Whether you're managing a team, writing a book, or simply organizing your life, Notion's linking capabilities can make your workflow more efficient and intuitive.

If you're working on a document and want to streamline the process, consider using Spell. With AI, you can draft, edit, and collaborate on documents faster than ever, making it a perfect companion to your Notion setup.

Final Thoughts

Linking in Notion is like connecting the dots in a complex puzzle. Bringing clarity and organization to your workspace. Whether you're linking pages, databases, or external URLs, the ability to connect information is a game-changer. And if you're looking for a way to draft and edit documents more efficiently, Spell offers AI-powered tools that can save you time and enhance your productivity. Embrace these linking techniques and watch your Notion workspace transform into a cohesive, efficient system.

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.