How to Import CSV Files in Notion in Minutes (Easy Guide)

Notion is a powerful workspace that helps you organize almost anything. From notes and tasks to projects and databases, it's a flexible tool for individuals and teams alike. Bringing your existing data into Notion can save you a lot of time and help you consolidate all your important information in one central place.

Many times, your data is stored in a CSV file. These simple text files are a common way to export information from spreadsheets, other databases, or online services. Luckily, Notion makes it quite straightforward to import these files, transforming raw data into structured, usable databases.

Learning how to import CSVs means you can quickly populate your Notion databases without manually typing everything. This speeds up your workflow and ensures your data is accurate and ready for analysis or organization.

So, now let’s get started.

In just a few simple steps, you'll learn how to bring your data from a CSV file directly into Notion. This guide will help you get your information organized and ready to use.

Before you import, it's important to make sure your CSV file is in good shape. A CSV file organizes data into a table format, with each piece of information separated by commas. Make sure the first row of your CSV contains clear headings for each column, like "Name," "Email," or "Date."

Avoid any extra rows or columns that aren't part of your main data. Checking for consistent data types is also helpful; for example, ensure all dates are in a similar format within their column.

Once your CSV is ready, open Notion. You have two main ways to import your data: creating a brand-new database or adding data to an existing one.

If you want to create a new database from scratch using your CSV, you can simply go to any page and use the `/import` command or click the "Import" option in the left-hand sidebar. If you're adding data to an existing database, navigate to that database page first.

Now it’s time to bring your CSV into Notion. A window will pop up, asking you to select your CSV file from your computer. You’ll see an option in the dialogue box which asks for “Create a new Database” or “Import into existing Database”, and choose one. Then, browse to where you saved your file, select it, and then click Open.

After you select your CSV file, Notion will show you a preview of your data and try to guess what kind of information is in each column. This is called "mapping fields."

For example, it might recognize a column of numbers as "Number" and a column of text as "Text." You need to carefully review each column from your CSV and match it to the correct property type in Notion.

You can click on the dropdown menu above each column in the preview to change the Notion property type (e.g., from "Text" to "Date," "Number," "Select," or "Checkbox"). Make sure each column from your CSV has a matching and appropriate property type in Notion.

Once you've mapped all your fields correctly, Notion will import your data. Once all checked, click on “Import CSV”.

After the import is complete, take a moment to look over your newly imported database. Check a few rows and columns to make sure all the data came in as expected and that the property types are correct.

The final imported CSV database will be shown like this:

If something looks off, you can always undo the import or adjust the property types within Notion. You can also re-import the CSV if needed, after making corrections to the file or your mapping choices.

If you're starting fresh with a new database, you'll need to create a new page in Notion. You can do this by clicking the + New page button in your sidebar or typing `/page` on an existing page.

Once the new page is open, you can either select the "Table" database option or simply type `/database` and choose "Table - Inline" or "Table - Full Page." This will create an empty database ready for your CSV data.

Importing CSV files into Notion is a straightforward process that can significantly boost your productivity.

By following these easy steps, you can quickly transform raw data from a spreadsheet or another source into a structured and organized database within your Notion workspace. This capability makes Notion an even more versatile tool for managing all your information efficiently, helping you keep everything organized and accessible.

You can import a CSV file into Notion by using the Import option in the sidebar or typing /import on any page, then selecting your CSV file.

Yes. When importing a CSV, Notion lets you choose whether to create a new database or import the data into an existing database.

This usually happens due to incorrect column formatting, missing headers, or mismatched property types. Review and map fields before confirming import.

Notion supports CSV imports, but very large files may take longer to process or require cleanup before importing for best results.

Yes. After importing, you can change property types (text, date, select, number) directly inside the Notion database.