You want to display the same Notion database on multiple pages without duplicating data. When you copy a database view, each copy becomes an independent entity, and changes made in one copy do not appear in the other. Notion solves this with the Synced Block feature, which lets you embed a live view of a database block that updates everywhere it appears. This article explains how to create a synced database view, the limitations you need to know, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Key Takeaways: Using Synced Database Views in Notion
- Create a database block view first: You cannot directly sync a database itself; you sync a block that contains a specific view of the database.
- Turn on Sync with the blue handle: Click the six-dot handle on the database block, then select “Turn into synced block” from the menu.
- Paste as synced block on other pages: Copy the synced block and use Ctrl+Alt+V (Windows) or Cmd+Option+V (Mac) to paste it as a linked copy.
What Is a Synced Database View and Why Use It
A synced database view is a block that mirrors the content of an original database block. When you edit any row in the original database, every synced copy of that view updates automatically. This is different from a linked database, which creates a separate database entity. The synced block feature works on any Notion block type, including databases, but only for the specific view you choose. You must have the original database already created in your workspace. The synced view does not allow you to change the filter, sort, or layout from the copy; those changes must be made on the original block.
Steps to Create and Use a Synced Database View
Follow these steps to set up a database view that stays in sync across multiple pages in your Notion workspace.
- Create the original database and a specific view
Open the page where the database will live. Type /database and select your preferred database type, such as Table or Board. Add at least one view by clicking the + button next to the view tabs at the top of the database. Name this view, for example “Master View.” - Turn the database block into a synced block
Hover your mouse over the database block until the six-dot icon appears on the left. Click the six-dot icon to open the block menu. Select “Turn into synced block” from the menu. The block will now have a blue border and a sync icon in the top-right corner. - Copy the synced block
Click the six-dot icon again. Choose “Copy” from the menu. This copies the entire synced block, including its current view settings. - Navigate to the target page
Open the page where you want the synced view to appear. This can be a different page in the same workspace or a different workspace if you have the correct permissions. - Paste the block as a synced copy
Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the block. By default, Notion pastes a synced block as a linked copy. You will see the same blue border and sync icon. Any changes you make to rows in the original database will now appear here automatically. - Verify the sync status
Edit a property in the original database, for example change a status from “In Progress” to “Done.” Return to the page where you pasted the synced block. The change should appear instantly. If it does not, refresh the page with F5.
Common Mistakes and Limitations of Synced Database Views
Pasted view shows no data or the wrong data
This usually happens when you copied the database block before turning it into a synced block. The synced block must be created from the original block, not from a copied block. Delete the pasted block, return to the original page, and ensure the blue border and sync icon are visible before copying again.
Cannot change the filter, sort, or layout on a synced copy
This is by design. The synced block is a read-only mirror of the original block’s view. To change which rows appear or how they are sorted, edit the original block. Open the original page, adjust the view settings there, and the synced copies will update automatically.
Synced block does not update after editing the original database
This can happen if the synced block was created from a database that has been moved to a different workspace location. Relink the block by deleting the synced copy and repeating the copy-paste process. Also ensure both pages are in the same workspace. Cross-workspace syncing is not supported.
Accidentally paste a duplicate database instead of a synced block
If you paste with Ctrl+V and the block does not have a blue border, you pasted a copy of the database, not a synced block. Undo the paste with Ctrl+Z. Then use the paste shortcut for synced blocks: Ctrl+Alt+V (Windows) or Cmd+Option+V (Mac). This forces a synced paste.
Synced Block vs Linked Database: Key Differences
| Feature | Synced Block | Linked Database |
|---|---|---|
| Data source | Mirrors the original block’s view exactly | Creates a separate database entity with its own rows |
| Updates propagate | Yes, automatically and instantly | No, edits in one linked database do not affect the other |
| Can change filters and sorts | No, must edit the original block | Yes, each linked database can have its own filters and sorts |
| Number of copies | Unlimited | Unlimited, but each copy stores its own data |
| Use case | Display the same data in multiple places without duplication | Create separate views of the same data for different teams or purposes |
You now know how to create a synced database view and place it on multiple pages in your Notion workspace. Start by turning your existing database block into a synced block, then copy and paste it onto any page where you need live data. For advanced control, use the original block’s view settings to define exactly which rows and columns appear. Remember to use Ctrl+Alt+V to force a synced paste when the automatic paste fails.