Can you create custom properties in Notion?

Absolutely—Notion provides extensive flexibility for creating custom properties within databases, transforming basic data tables into powerful workflow management systems. When you add a custom property to any Notion database, you're essentially designing your own data structure that perfectly matches your unique needs. This capability sets Notion apart as more than just a note-taking app, positioning it as a versatile platform where you can build everything from simple task lists to complex project management systems. Understanding how to leverage these custom properties effectively can dramatically improve your productivity and organizational capabilities.

Creating custom properties in Notion follows a straightforward process that works consistently across all platforms. Simply open any database, click the "Add property" button or the "+" symbol next to existing columns, name your new property, and select from over fifteen different property types. These range from basic text and number fields to more sophisticated options like formulas, relations, and rollups that can perform calculations and connect data across multiple databases. The system accommodates diverse workflows through specialized property types including status trackers, date fields, file attachments, and person assignments.

The practical applications for custom properties span virtually every professional and personal use case imaginable. Project managers can create properties for tracking deadlines, budget allocations, and team assignments, while content creators might establish fields for publication status, target keywords, and performance metrics. Real estate professionals often utilize custom properties for property specifications, pricing data, and client contact information. Each property type serves specific purposes—select fields work perfectly for categorization, while formula properties can automatically calculate project costs or track completion percentages.

However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when designing your custom property system. Complex setups involving multiple formula chains face a technical limitation of referencing up to fifteen properties maximum, which can break calculations if exceeded. Additionally, databases with thousands of rows and extensive rollups or relations may experience slower performance, particularly when loading pages with numerous computed fields. While these limitations rarely affect typical users, they become relevant for power users managing large-scale databases.

The key to success with custom properties lies in thoughtful planning and gradual implementation. Start with essential properties that directly support your immediate workflow needs, then expand complexity as your requirements evolve. Consider grouping related properties together and hiding rarely-used fields to maintain clean, focused interfaces. This approach ensures your custom property system enhances rather than complicates your productivity, creating a workspace that truly adapts to how you work.