Notion is an incredibly versatile workspace that allows you to organize notes, tasks, documents and more in one place. One of its most useful features is the ability to create reusable templates that can save you time and effort.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating templates in Notion, including:
Table of Contents
What are Templates in Notion?
A template in Notion is a pre-built page that you can duplicate within your workspace. Instead of recreating the same page structure over and over, you can design it once in a template and then generate copies of it instantly whenever you need it.
Benefits of Using Templates:
- Save time – No need to rebuild the same page layouts repeatedly
- Enforce consistency – Keep all your project pages looking cohesive
- Reduce effort – Quickly duplicate complex page structures with one click
Types of Templates
There are a few different ways you can create reusable templates in Notion:
1. Page Templates
Any page in Notion can be turned into a template that you can duplicate. This allows you to create a base structure for certain page types like project dashboards, meeting notes, or planners, and reuse it infinitely.
To save a page as a template:
- Click the share icon on the top right
- Turn on “Allow duplicates as template”
- Anyone with access can now duplicate it as a template
2. Database Templates
If you use databases to store information in Notion, you can build templates right inside them.
For example, you can have a template for new employee records that pre-populates some fields like the company name. Anyone creating a new entry can simply select this template.
To add a template in a database:
- Click “New” > “New template”
- Name and design the template
- It will now show as an option when adding items
3. Template Buttons
Template buttons allow you to store page templates or sections of content, and insert copies of them anywhere with one click.
To create one:
- Type
/template button - Name it, then drag any content into the template area
- Insert the button anywhere and click it to duplicate the content
Creating Efficient Templates
Follow these tips when building your Notion templates:
Keep it Relevant
Don’t overload your templates. Include only what’s absolutely necessary for that page type or entry. The more fields and content you add, the less reusable it becomes.
Add Instructions
Explain how the template should be used so others know how to customize and update it. You can include a text block, or even better – embed a Loom video.
Use Properties Wisely
Only include properties (fields that hold data) that are common for ALL items that will be created from the template. For example, Status and Due Date make sense on a task template since every task will have them.
Make it Visually Consistent
Use colors, icons, fonts and margin widths that align with the rest of your Notion system so templated pages don’t stand out. Creating a simple style guide can help.
Examples of Handy Notion Templates
Here are some ideas for templates that will save you time across projects:
Meeting Notes Template
A reusable format for capturing notes any time you have a meeting. Include sections for:
- Date, time and attendees
- Agenda items
- Notes, decisions, action items
- Next steps
Project Dashboard Template
An overview page for all your projects with key details like:
- Project name, client and timeframe
- Task list
- Milestones
- Links to other project pages
Onboarding Checklist Template
Ensure you properly onboard new employees or freelancers every time:
- Add checkboxes for steps like tour the office, set up tools, introduce to team
- Attach necessary documents
- Auto-assign a “Welcome Buddy” with a template
Video Brief Template
Simplify client video requests by providing a form where they submit all details upfront:
- Name and description
- Shoot dates
- Links to inspirations
- Shot list and script
This populates a page with everything you need to start production.
In Summary:
Taking the time to thoughtfully design templates in Notion speeds up your workflow and leads to greater consistency across your systems. Whether you build page templates, database templates or template buttons, having go-to scaffolds ready-to-use will boost your productivity.
Apply the tips covered here like keeping it simple and adding instructions, use properties strategically, and ensure visual consistency across your workspace. Refer to the template examples for inspiration to create your own that perfectly fit your needs.
With handy templates by your side, it becomes much easier to manage information and projects in Notion!
