Setting default values in Notion databases is a useful feature that allows you to automate the process of creating new items. Instead of having to manually enter the same information over and over again, you can set default values so that new items are automatically populated with the information you need.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to set default values in Notion databases and explore some of the ways you can use this feature to streamline your workflow.

How To Set Notion Database Default Values

1. Navigate to the database you'd like to edit.
2. Create a new database template by clicking the blue down arrow next to 'New' at the top right of the database and selecting '+ new template'.
3. Set the default values for each property inside the 'Edit template' mode.
4. Set the new template as the default for all views or just the current view by clicking the three dots next to the template and selecting 'Set as default'.
5. Create a new item in the database to test the default values.

Step 1: Navigate to the database you'd like to edit

To set default values in a Notion database, you'll need to navigate to the database you'd like to edit. To do this, click on the 'Databases' icon in the left-hand menu, and then select the database you want to edit. This will open the database view, where you can see all the items in your database.

Step 2: Create a new database template

To set a default value for new items in your database, you'll need to create a 'New Database Template'. This template will specify the default values that new items should have when they are created.

To create a new database template, click the blue down arrow next to 'New' at the top right your database. This will open a menu of options, including the option to '+ new template'.

Step 3: Set the default values for each property

Inside the 'Edit template' mode, you can set the default values for each property you'd like new database items to have. Simply click on the property cell and enter the default value you want.

Step 4: Set the new template as the default

Once you've set the default values for your new template, you'll need to set it as the default template for your database. To do this, click back to the blue database templates menu, then click the three dots next to your new template.

From the menu that appears, select 'Set as default', and then choose whether you want to set the template as the default for all views, or just for this database view.

Step 5: Test the default values

To test the default values, create a new item in the database. The new item should automatically have the default values assigned, as you've set them.

And that's it! You've successfully set default values in a Notion database. This feature allows you to automate the process of creating new items, saving you time and effort as you work. Enjoy!

Examples

Now that you know how to set default values in Notion databases, you might be wondering when this feature can be useful. Here are a few examples to help get you started:

• Use default values to save time when entering common information. For example, if you're creating a database of contacts, you might want to set default values for fields like 'Status' and 'Add date'. This way, you don't have to manually enter this information every time you create a new contact.
• Use default values to ensure that important information is always included. For example, if you're creating a database of tasks, you might want to set default values for fields like 'Due date' and 'Assigned to'. This way, you can be sure that every task has a due date and is assigned to someone.
• Use default values to create a consistent look and feel for your databases. For example, if you're creating a database of projects, you might want to set default values for fields like 'Color' and 'Icon'. This way, you can create a consistent visual style for your projects, making them easier to scan and identify at a glance.