When you click a database item in Notion, it can open either as a full-page view or as a side peek window. Many users prefer the side peek because it keeps the parent database visible and allows quick navigation between records. Notion does not offer a global control for this setting, but you can change the default behavior for each database individually. This article explains how to set the default open behavior to side peek for any Notion database.
Key Takeaways: Database Default Open Behavior in Notion
- Database view menu > Layout > Open pages in: Set this to “Side peek” to change how items open when clicked.
- Side peek vs Full page: Side peek keeps the database visible; full page replaces the view entirely.
- Per-database setting: The change applies only to the current view of the database, not the entire workspace.
Understanding the Side Peek Feature in Notion Databases
Side peek is a view mode that opens a database page in a panel on the right side of the screen. The parent database remains visible on the left. This layout lets you scroll through items in the database while previewing content from each record. Side peek works in table, board, list, gallery, and calendar views. Notion calls the alternative “Full page,” which replaces the database view entirely with the opened page. The default open behavior is set per view, meaning each saved view of a database can have its own setting. You must be an editor or owner of the database to change this setting.
Steps to Change Default Open Behavior to Side Peek
Follow these steps for each database view where you want side peek as the default. The change takes effect immediately for all users who have access to that view.
- Open the database view you want to modify
Navigate to the database in your Notion workspace. Click on the view tab at the top of the database. If you have multiple views, select the one you want to edit. - Open the view menu
Click the view name at the top of the database. A dropdown menu appears with options for Layout, Filter, Sort, and more. - Select Layout from the menu
In the dropdown, click Layout. A submenu opens showing layout properties specific to the current view type. - Change the “Open pages in” setting
In the Layout submenu, locate the option Open pages in. Click it and select Side peek from the list. The database view now opens all clicked items in the side peek panel by default. - Test the new behavior
Click any database item. It should open in the side panel. If it opens full page, repeat steps 2 through 4 and confirm the setting saved.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
“Open pages in” option is missing from the Layout menu
The “Open pages in” setting appears only in certain view types. Table, board, list, gallery, and calendar views all support this option. Timeline and spreadsheet views do not have the setting. If you are using a timeline or spreadsheet view, switch to one of the supported types, change the setting, and then switch back if needed.
Side peek does not stay after switching views
Each view in a database stores its own layout settings. If you change the open behavior in one view, other views remain unchanged. You must repeat the steps for every view where you want side peek as the default.
Side peek opens but the panel is too narrow
You can resize the side peek panel by dragging its left edge. The panel width is not saved as a setting, so you must adjust it each time you open a new session. Notion remembers the width during the same browser session only.
Side Peek vs Full Page: Default Behavior Compared
| Item | Side Peek | Full Page |
|---|---|---|
| Parent database visibility | Remains visible on the left | Replaced by the opened page |
| Navigation between items | Click arrows or scroll within the panel | Click browser back button or database breadcrumb |
| Editing capabilities | Full editing available in the panel | Full editing available on the page |
| Multi-tab browsing | Not possible in the panel | Open multiple full pages in separate browser tabs |
| Setting location | View menu > Layout > Open pages in | View menu > Layout > Open pages in |
You can now change the default open behavior for any Notion database view to side peek. Start with the database you use most often and adjust each view individually. To speed up the process, apply the setting while you are already customizing filters and sorts for that view. The side peek feature works well for reviewing records quickly without losing your place in the database.