How to create a personal dashboard on Notion
Quick Answer
Create a personal dashboard in Notion by making a new page, adding relevant database views, embedding calendars and widgets, and organizing everything with columns and dividers. This centralized hub will display all your important information in one customizable location.
Prerequisites
- A Notion account
- Basic understanding of Notion blocks
- At least one Notion database or page
- Web browser or Notion desktop app
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Create a new dashboard page
Click the + New Page button in your sidebar or press
Ctrl+N (Windows) or Cmd+N (Mac). Name your page something like Personal Dashboard or My Hub. Choose a relevant icon by clicking the Add icon button and select from emoji or upload a custom image. Add a cover image by clicking Add cover to make your dashboard visually appealing. Pin your dashboard page to the sidebar by right-clicking and selecting 'Add to Favorites' for quick access.
2
Set up the page layout structure
Type
/column and select 2 columns or 3 columns to create a organized layout. You can also create sections by typing /divider to add visual separators between different areas of your dashboard. Consider creating distinct sections like Today's Focus, Quick Links, Recent Projects, and Calendar. Start with a 2-column layout - you can always adjust or add more columns later as your dashboard evolves.
3
Add database views to your dashboard
Type
/linked and select Create linked database to add views of your existing databases. Choose databases like your task list, project tracker, or habit tracker. For each linked database, click the ... menu next to the database title and select Filter or Sort to show only relevant items. For example, filter your task database to show only items due this week or with high priority. Use different view types like Table, Kanban, Calendar, or Gallery depending on what information you want to see at a glance.
4
Embed calendar and scheduling widgets
Type
/calendar to add Notion's built-in calendar database, or type /embed to add external calendars like Google Calendar. Paste your Google Calendar's public URL or embed code. You can also add a Timeline view by typing /timeline if you have project databases with date properties. Position these in prominent areas of your dashboard for easy schedule visibility. Make your Google Calendar public (view-only) to embed it, or use Notion's native calendar for better integration with your databases.
5
Create quick action buttons and links
Add frequently used pages as links by typing
@ followed by the page name, or create buttons by typing /button. Set up buttons to Add new task, Create new project, or Open weekly review template. You can also add external links by typing /link and pasting URLs to important websites, tools, or resources you use daily. Group related quick actions together and use clear, action-oriented labels like 'Add Task' or 'Weekly Review' instead of generic names.
6
Add progress tracking and metrics
Create simple progress indicators using Notion's formula properties or manually updated progress bars. Type
/progress to add a progress bar block, or embed charts from your databases. Add a Goals section with checkbox lists by typing /todo for daily or weekly objectives. You can also create a simple Habit Tracker using a table with checkboxes for each day. Keep metrics simple and actionable - focus on 2-3 key indicators rather than overwhelming yourself with too many numbers.
7
Customize and organize your dashboard layout
Drag and drop blocks to reorganize your dashboard layout. Resize columns by hovering over the column divider and dragging. Add headings by typing
/heading to create clear sections. Use callout blocks by typing /callout to highlight important information or create visual emphasis for critical areas like daily priorities or urgent deadlines. Follow the 'above the fold' principle - put your most important and frequently accessed information at the top of the dashboard.
8
Test and refine your dashboard
Use your dashboard for a week and note what information you actually look at versus what you ignore. Remove or relocate blocks that aren't useful and add missing elements you find yourself needing. Test all links, buttons, and embedded content to ensure they work properly. Consider creating multiple dashboard versions for different contexts like Work Dashboard and Personal Dashboard.
Review and update your dashboard monthly - your needs will evolve, and your dashboard should adapt accordingly.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Embedded Google Calendar not displaying
Ensure your Google Calendar is set to public in sharing settings, and use the embed code rather than the direct URL. Try refreshing the Notion page or re-embedding the calendar.
Dashboard loading slowly
Reduce the number of large databases displayed on one page. Use filters to limit database views to essential items only, and consider splitting complex dashboards into multiple linked pages.
Linked databases not updating
Linked databases update automatically, but changes may take a few seconds to appear. If data seems stale, refresh your browser or click the refresh icon in the database header.
Layout looks cluttered on mobile
Notion automatically stacks columns on mobile devices. Test your dashboard on mobile and consider creating a simplified mobile-friendly version with fewer columns and larger text blocks.
Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Notion website before purchasing.