If you want to categorize database entries using multiple tags per item, the Multi-Select property in Notion is the correct tool. This property allows you to assign several labels to a single row, such as tagging a project with both Design and Development. Many users struggle with finding the option to add new choices or editing existing ones after the property is created. This article explains how to create a Multi-Select property, add options to it, and manage those options efficiently.
Key Takeaways: Adding and Managing Multi-Select Options in Notion
- Database property menu > Add a property > Multi-Select: Creates a new Multi-Select column in your database.
- Click inside a cell > Type option name > Enter: Adds a new option directly from the database cell.
- Property menu > Edit property > Options list: Rename, reorder, or delete existing Multi-Select options from the property settings.
What Is the Multi-Select Property in Notion?
The Multi-Select property in Notion is a column type for databases that lets you assign multiple tags to a single row. Unlike the Select property, which allows only one choice per cell, Multi-Select supports unlimited selections. Each option appears as a colored pill inside the cell. This property is useful for project management, content calendars, and inventory tracking where items belong to more than one category.
To use Multi-Select, you need an existing Notion database. The database can be in a page, as a full page, or as an inline table. You do not need a paid Notion plan; this property is available on all plans, including the free tier. However, the number of database rows and properties may be limited on the Free plan.
Prerequisites for Adding Multi-Select Options
Before adding options, ensure you have a database open in Notion. You can create a new database by typing /table, /grid, /board, /calendar, or /list on a page. The Multi-Select property works in all database views. You also need edit permissions on the database. If the database is shared by someone else and set to read-only, you cannot add or modify properties.
Steps to Add a Multi-Select Property and Its Options
Follow these steps to add a Multi-Select property to a database and populate it with options.
- Open the database you want to edit
Navigate to the page containing your database. Click anywhere inside the database to select it. You will see a row of column headers at the top. - Add a new property column
Click the + button that appears to the right of the last column header. A menu drops down with a list of property types. Alternatively, click the name of an existing property and select Edit property, then choose Change type. - Select Multi-Select from the property type list
Scroll down or type Multi-Select in the search bar. Click Multi-Select. A new column appears with the default name Multi-Select. You can rename it by clicking the property name at the top of the column. - Add the first option by typing in a cell
Click inside any cell in the new Multi-Select column. A small input box appears. Type the name of the option, for example Marketing. Press Enter. The option is added to that cell and becomes available for all other cells in the column. - Add additional options the same way
Click inside the same cell or a different cell. Type another option name, for example Sales. Press Enter. Each new option appears as a colored pill. Notion assigns a random color to each new option, but you can change the color later. - Assign multiple options to a single cell
Click inside a cell that already has one or more options. The input box shows the existing pills. Type the name of another option and press Enter. The cell now displays multiple pills.
Method 2: Add Options from the Property Settings Menu
You can also add options without typing into a cell. This method is useful when you know all the options you need in advance.
- Click the property name in the column header
Hover over the Multi-Select column header and click the name. A dropdown menu opens showing the current options and settings. - Click Edit property
At the bottom of the dropdown, click Edit property. A larger settings panel opens on the right side of the screen. - Type a new option in the Options section
In the Options section, you see a list of existing options. Below the list, there is a text field labeled Add an option. Type the option name and press Enter. Repeat for each option you want to add. - Click Close to save changes
Once you finish adding options, click the Close button at the top right of the settings panel. The new options appear in the column.
Common Mistakes When Adding Multi-Select Options
Options Not Appearing After Typing
If you type an option name and press Enter but nothing happens, the most likely cause is that you pressed Enter while the cell was still in view mode. Ensure the cell is in edit mode, which shows a blinking cursor. Click directly inside the cell to activate edit mode. If the cell shows the pill but no new option, the option may already exist. Check the property settings to confirm.
Duplicated Options with Slight Spelling Differences
Notion treats options as case-sensitive and space-sensitive. Marketing and marketing are two separate options. To avoid duplicates, use consistent naming. You can merge duplicate options by renaming one to match the other. Go to Edit property, click the three dots next to the option, and choose Rename. Type the exact name of the other option. Notion will merge them.
Accidentally Deleting an Option Used in Many Rows
When you delete a Multi-Select option from the property settings, Notion removes it from all rows that use it. The rows no longer display that tag. To recover, you must re-add the option with the exact same name and reassign it to the affected rows. There is no undo for option deletion. Always double-check before clicking Delete.
Multi-Select vs Select: Key Differences
| Feature | Multi-Select | Select |
|---|---|---|
| Number of options per cell | Unlimited | One |
| Filtering behavior | Contains any of selected options | Equals a single option |
| Grouping in board view | Groups by each option individually | Groups by the single selected option |
| Use case | Tagging with multiple categories | Single status or priority |
Now you can add Multi-Select property options to any Notion database by typing directly in a cell or using the property settings menu. Try using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+M on Windows or Cmd+Shift+M on Mac to quickly add a new property column. For advanced management, use the Edit property panel to rename options and assign consistent colors across your workspace.