Layouts & Columns

Control how each view looks - its layout, which fields appear, and the order clients see them in.

Overview

A view turns a Notion database into a client-facing page. For each view you choose a layout, pick which properties are visible, and set the order those fields appear in. Everything is configured in the view editor under Views, split across the Basics, Fields, and Column Order tabs.

Choose a layout

On the Basics tab, pick how records render for clients:

  • List - compact rows, good for tasks and documents
  • Table - columnar layout for showing many fields at once
  • Cards - larger cards for projects or summaries

When the database has an image or file property, the Basics tab also shows an Image size option (Small, Medium, or Large) controlling how large thumbnails appear in rows. Detail pages always show large images.

Choose which fields are visible

On the Fields tab, check the properties you want clients to see. Only checked fields appear anywhere in the view - leave internal or sensitive properties unchecked to keep them private.

Supported types can also be made editable here - see Editable Fields. A field must be visible before it can be reordered or made editable.

Rearrange columns and fields

Open the Column Order tab to control the order your visible fields appear in. This sets the left-to-right column order in table layouts and the top-to-bottom field order in list and card layouts.

  1. Drag and drop - grab the handle on the left of a field and drop it where you want it. The drop target highlights as you drag.
  2. Up / down arrows - use the arrow buttons on each row to nudge a field one position at a time (handy on touch devices or for precise moves).
  3. Save the view to persist the new order. The numbers next to each field reflect its current position.

Note: the title (the database's primary Name column) always appears first, so it isn't part of the reorder list. Notion's API doesn't return properties in the order you see them in Notion, so setting the order here is the reliable way to control how the view reads for clients.

Tips

  • Put the fields clients care about most (status, due date, owner) near the top or left.
  • Fewer visible fields usually read better on mobile - especially for List and Cards.
  • Only visible fields appear in Column Order. If a field is missing, enable it on the Fields tab first.
  • Clients can search and filter by status or select values on view pages. Advanced server-side filters in the view editor are not yet available.
← Editable FieldsNext: Portal Settings →