When you click any row in a Notion database, the row page opens automatically by default. This behavior can interrupt your workflow if you only want to edit inline properties or view the row without leaving the table view. The cause is Notion’s default setting that treats a single click on a row as a command to open the full-page view. This article explains how to change that setting so a single click selects the row or edits inline fields instead of opening the page.
Key Takeaways: Disable Auto-Open When Clicking a Notion Row
- Database view dropdown > Open pages in > Off: Turns off the automatic page open for all rows in the current view.
- Inline editing in table view: After disabling, clicking a row lets you edit cells directly without opening a new page.
- Shift+click to open a page manually: Hold Shift and click a row to open its page when you need it.
Why Clicking a Notion Row Opens a Page by Default
Notion treats every database row as a page. When you click the row, Notion interprets that action as a request to view the full page associated with that row. This design is intentional for users who want to quickly access the page content behind a row, such as notes, long-form text, or embedded files. However, for users who work primarily with database views like table, board, or gallery, this behavior can slow down data entry and review. The setting that controls this is located in the view options of each database view. Changing it does not affect other views in the same database — each view has its own setting.
Steps to Disable Page Open When Clicking a Notion Row
- Open your database view
Navigate to the Notion page that contains the database. Click on the database to activate its view. This can be a table, board, list, gallery, or calendar view. - Click the view dropdown menu
In the top-left corner of the database, click the view name. The view name is usually the default name like “Table view” or a custom name you created. A dropdown menu appears. - Select “Layout” or “View options”
Depending on your Notion version, the menu may show “Layout” or “View options” directly. Click that option to open the view settings panel. - Locate the “Open pages in” setting
In the view settings panel, look for the section labeled “Open pages in.” This setting has two options: “Side peek” and “Full page.” - Set “Open pages in” to off
Click the toggle switch next to “Open pages in” to turn it off. When the toggle is gray and shows “Off,” clicking any row in this view will no longer open the page automatically. Instead, clicking a row selects it and lets you edit inline properties. - Test the change
Click a row in the database. The row should highlight but not open a page. You can now edit cells directly by clicking on them. If you need to open a row’s page, hold the Shift key and click the row. This opens the page in a side peek or full page depending on your other settings.
Things to Avoid After Disabling Row Open
Accidentally opening pages with double-click
After disabling the setting, a single click no longer opens the page. However, double-clicking a row still opens its page. If you want to avoid opening pages entirely, train yourself to edit inline instead of double-clicking. Alternatively, use Shift+click to open a page deliberately.
Forgetting to apply the setting to each view
The “Open pages in” setting is per view. If your database has multiple views (table, board, calendar), you must repeat the steps for each view. A view that still has the setting enabled will continue to open pages on click. Check every view you use frequently.
Confusing inline editing with page editing
When page open is disabled, clicking a row only selects it. To edit a cell, click directly on the cell text. If you want to edit the entire page content (like long-form notes or files), use Shift+click to open the page. Inline editing works best for short text, numbers, select options, and dates.
Notion Database Views: Page Open Behavior Comparison
| View Type | Default Click Behavior | Behavior After Disabling |
|---|---|---|
| Table | Opens row page | Selects row, inline editing enabled |
| Board | Opens card page | Selects card, inline editing enabled |
| List | Opens page | Selects item, inline editing enabled |
| Gallery | Opens card page | Selects card, inline editing enabled |
| Calendar | Opens event page | Selects event, inline editing enabled |
Now you can work in your Notion database without unwanted page openings. Try using inline editing for quick data entry and Shift+click to open pages only when you need full content. For advanced workflows, combine this setting with keyboard shortcuts like Escape to close a side peek or Ctrl+Enter to save inline edits faster.