How do I add tags to Notion pages?

Adding tags to Notion pages requires working within databases, as Notion doesn't offer a universal tagging system for standalone pages. The most effective approach involves using database properties like Select, Multi-select, or Status, which transform your pages into organized, filterable entries. While this might seem like a limitation at first, it actually opens up powerful possibilities for organizing and retrieving your content across your entire workspace.

To add tags within a Notion database, start by opening your database and clicking the "+" symbol on the rightmost column header to add a new property. Name this property something descriptive like "Tags" or "Categories," then choose your property type. Select "Multi-select" if you want to assign multiple tags to each page, or "Select" for single tags. Once created, click "Edit property" to add your tag options by typing each tag name and pressing Enter. You can assign different colors to each tag for visual clarity and quick identification.

For tags that work across multiple databases in your workspace, you'll need to create a dedicated "Tags" database first. Then, in your other databases, add a "Relation" property that connects to this central tag database. This setup requires more initial work but provides the flexibility of using consistent tags throughout your entire Notion workspace. You can then create filtered views and dashboards that pull together all content sharing specific tags, regardless of which database they originate from.

The main challenge with Notion's tagging system is that regular pages outside of databases can't be tagged in a meaningful way. You can simulate tags by adding internal links or keywords, but these won't provide the filtering and sorting capabilities that make tags truly useful. Additionally, maintaining tag consistency across team members requires establishing clear naming conventions upfront, as tags are case-sensitive and duplicate variations can quickly create organizational chaos.

Despite these limitations, database-based tagging offers significant advantages for organization and productivity. According to productivity experts, effective tagging can reduce the time needed to find relevant information by up to 50% in large workspaces. The key is starting with a clear tagging strategy, using descriptive names, and regularly reviewing your tag system to remove unused options and maintain consistency across your workspace.