Notion database setup
Learn how to create and configure a Notion database for two-way sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, Todoist, and more
To set up a Notion database for 2sync, you need to create a database (not a page), add the required properties for your sync type, and grant 2sync edit access through Notion's integration settings. You can start from a pre-configured template or build from scratch. Both work with any integration including Google Calendar, Outlook, Todoist, and more.
How do I create a new database?
If you don't have a database yet, or want to create one specifically for syncing:
Option 1: Use a template
Templates come pre-configured with the correct property names and types for each integration, saving you from manual setup.
2sync provides pre-configured templates optimized for each integration:
- Go to your Notion workspace
- Click Templates in the sidebar
- Search for "2sync" or browse by category:
- Calendar Database – For Google/Outlook Calendar sync
- Tasks Database – For Todoist/Google Tasks sync
- Contacts Database – For Google/Outlook Contacts sync
- Email Database – For Gmail/Outlook Mail sync
- Click Use Template
- The database will be added to your workspace
Option 2: Create from scratch
- In Notion, create a new page
- Type
/databaseand select Table - Inline or Table - Full page - Name your database (e.g., "Calendar Events", "Tasks", "Contacts")
- Add the required properties for your sync type (see below)
Required properties by sync type
Each sync type needs specific Notion properties to work correctly.
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook Calendar)
Required properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Title | Event name |
| Start | Date | Start date and time |
| End | Date | End date and time |
Recommended optional properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Text | Event details |
| Location | Text | Event location |
| All Day | Checkbox | Mark as all-day event |
| Attendees | Multi-select | Event participants |
| Calendar | Select | Which calendar to sync to |
| Status | Select | Confirmed, Tentative, Cancelled |
| Recurring | Checkbox | Is this a recurring event |
Task sync (Todoist/Google Tasks)
Required properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Title | Task name |
| Status | Select or Checkbox | Task completion status |
Recommended optional properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Due Date | Date | When task is due |
| Priority | Select | P1, P2, P3, P4 |
| Project | Select | Todoist project |
| Labels | Multi-select | Task tags |
| Description | Text | Task details |
| Assignee | Person | Who's responsible |
Contact sync (Google/Outlook Contacts)
Required properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Title | Contact name |
Recommended optional properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Email address | ||
| Phone | Phone | Phone number |
| Company | Text | Organization |
| Job Title | Text | Role |
| Birthday | Date | Date of birth |
| Notes | Text | Additional info |
| Tags | Multi-select | Contact categories |
Email sync (Gmail/Outlook Mail)
Required properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Title | Email subject |
| From | Text or Email | Sender |
Recommended optional properties:
| Property | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Date | When email was sent |
| Body | Text | Email content |
| To | Text | Recipients |
| Labels | Multi-select | Gmail labels |
| Folder | Select | Outlook folder |
| Attachment Info | Text | Attachment names and metadata (files stay in email) |
How do property types map between apps?
2sync automatically suggests property mappings based on property names and types. See the full Notion property types reference for details. For best results:
Use descriptive names
- ✅ "Due Date", "Start Date", "End Date"
- ❌ "Date", "Date 1", "Date 2"
Match property types
| External field | Notion property type |
|---|---|
| Text/Description | Text |
| Date/Time | Date |
| True/False | Checkbox |
| Single choice | Select |
| Multiple choices | Multi-select |
| Number | Number |
| Link/URL | URL |
| Email address |
Avoid complex formulas
Formula properties are one-way only. They can be synced from Notion but not to Notion. Use simple properties for two-way sync.
Do database views affect sync?
No. 2sync syncs the underlying database, not specific views. You can create and modify views freely without affecting sync:
- Table View – See all properties in a grid
- Calendar View – Visualize date-based items
- Board View – Kanban-style organization
- Gallery View – Card layout
- Timeline View – Gantt chart
How do I set up permissions and sharing?
Grant 2sync access
When connecting Notion:
- Select Specific pages
- Choose the databases you want to sync
- Click Allow access
2sync needs access to the entire database, not just a view. Granting access to a filtered view will prevent items outside that view from syncing.
Team access
If you're sharing the database with team members:
- Make sure 2sync has access to the parent page or workspace
- Team members don't need separate 2sync accounts unless they create automations
What are the database limits?
Be aware of these limits:
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Max database size | No 2sync limit (subject to Notion's own performance limits) |
| Properties per database | 100 (Notion limit) |
| Items per sync | Unlimited |
| Sync frequency | Based on your plan (2-5 min) |
What are common setup mistakes?
1. Using a page instead of database
❌ Wrong: Create a page with bulleted list ✅ Correct: Create a database (table, board, etc.)
2. Missing required properties
Make sure you have at least:
- A Title property
- Date properties (for calendar/tasks)
- Status/checkbox (for tasks)
3. Property type mismatches
- Don't use Select for dates – use Date
- Don't use Text for checkboxes – use Checkbox
- Don't use Number for priorities – use Select
4. Restricted permissions
2sync needs edit access, not just view. Check your Notion connection settings.
What should I do next?
Once your database is ready:
Related
- How sync works for understanding what happens after setup
- Default values for auto-populating properties on new items
- Delete behavior for controlling what happens when items are removed
- Connection issues for troubleshooting database access problems
- Glossary for definitions of sync terminology
FAQ
Can I sync an existing database?
Yes! 2sync works with any Notion database, whether it's new or existing. Just make sure it has the required properties for your sync type.
What happens to data already in my database?
Existing data remains unchanged. 2sync will only sync items created or modified after the automation is set up (unless you enable historical sync).
Can I change property types after setting up sync?
Yes, but you'll need to remap the field in your automation settings. Go to Field Mapping and update the affected properties.
Do I need separate databases for each sync?
Not necessarily. You can use one database for multiple automations if they're the same type (e.g., syncing two Google Calendars to one Notion database).
Can I use a linked database?
Yes. Linked databases work like regular databases. Just make sure 2sync has access to the source database.
Can I change the Notion database in an existing automation?
No. The Notion database is set when you create the automation and cannot be changed afterward. To use a different database, create a new automation and select the new database during setup.