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How to Create and Use a Synced Block in Notion

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Synced blocks in Notion let you reuse the same content in multiple places while keeping it automatically updated everywhere. When you edit one instance, all synced copies change instantly. This is perfect for recurring to-do lists, contact info, meeting agendas, or any content you want consistent across pages. You just need a Notion account (free or paid) and a page where you want to add the block.

What You’ll Need

  • A Notion account (free or paid) and a workspace where you can edit pages.
  • Access to a page (or database) where you have permission to add and edit content.
  • Basic familiarity with Notion’s block menu (the “+” button or typing “/” on a new line).

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the page where you want to place the original synced block. It can be a regular page or inside a database item.
  2. Create a new block by clicking the “+” that appears on the left margin when you hover over an empty line, or by typing “/” on a new line.
  3. Type “synced block” in the menu that appears and select “Synced Block” from the suggestions. Notion will insert a gray container with a “Sync” label.
  4. Add content inside the synced block. You can type text, add images, embed files, create sub-bullets, or drag in any other block (like a to-do list or a table). Everything you put inside becomes part of the synced group.
  5. Copy the synced block to reuse it elsewhere. Click the six-dot handle on the left of the block (it appears on hover), drag it, or use the “Copy” option in the handle menu. You can also copy the block and paste it into another page.
  6. Paste the copied block wherever you want the duplicate. Notion will ask if you want to “Paste as synced block” or “Paste as plain text.” Choose “Paste as synced block” to link them.
  7. Edit any instance. Changes made inside any synced block (original or copy) will automatically appear in all other synced instances. You can add, remove, or modify content freely.
  8. Identify synced blocks by the small “Sync” label in the top-right corner of the block. Hover over it to see options like “Unsync” or “Copy link.”
  9. To unlink a copy, click the “Sync” label on that specific block and choose “Unsync.” This turns it into a regular, independent block with the current content – no longer linked to the others.

Common Mistakes

  • Pasting as plain text instead of synced block – if you choose “Paste as plain text,” you get a static copy that won’t sync. Always pick “Paste as synced block” when you want the link.
  • Editing an unsynced copy – after unsyncing, that block becomes independent. If you later edit it, it won’t affect the original, which can be confusing if you forgot you unsynced it.
  • Deleting the original – if you delete the original synced block, all copies remain but they become independent (they lose the sync link). You might lose the ability to edit all at once.
  • Putting a synced block inside another synced block – this can cause unexpected behavior and is not recommended. Keep them separate.

Tips

  • Use synced blocks for recurring content like weekly meeting agendas, project checklists, or contact information that appears on multiple pages.
  • You can copy a synced block to a different page by copying the block and pasting it there – the sync link persists across pages and even across databases.
  • If you want to reuse a block but later make it independent, just unsync the copy – you don’t have to recreate it from scratch.
  • Synced blocks work with any block type inside them, including images, embeds, and nested lists. You can even include a database view inside a synced block.
  • Use the “Copy link” option on the Sync label to quickly jump to the original block or share a direct link.

Troubleshooting

  • Copies aren’t updating – Make sure you chose “Paste as synced block” when pasting. If you pasted as plain text, it won’t sync. Delete that copy and paste again, selecting the correct option.
  • Can’t find the Sync label – The label appears only when you hover over the block. It’s a small gray “Sync” text in the top-right corner. If you don’t see it, the block might not be a synced block (it could be a regular block).
  • Unsynced by accident – If you accidentally unsync a block, you can’t re-link it to the original. You’ll need to copy the original again and paste it as a synced block, then delete the unsynced copy.
  • Deleting the original removed the link – When you delete the original synced block, all copies become independent. If you need the link back, recreate the original and copy it again to replace the independent copies.
  • Synced block not showing in menu – Type “synced” in the block menu and it should appear. If not, update Notion or check that you’re in a supported view (it works on pages, not in some database properties).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync a block across different pages?

Yes, you can copy a synced block and paste it into any other page in your workspace. The sync link works across pages, as long as you paste it as a synced block.

Can I sync a block with someone else?

Yes, if you share a page with someone, they can see and edit the synced block if they have edit permissions. Changes made by anyone with access will update everywhere.

Can I turn an existing block into a synced block?

Not directly. You need to create a new synced block and move the existing content into it (copy-paste or drag). There’s no “convert to synced” option for a regular block.

What happens if I delete one copy of a synced block?

Deleting one copy only removes that instance. The other copies remain synced to the original. The link is only broken if you delete the original block (the one that was created first).

Can I sync a database view?

Yes, you can place a database view inside a synced block. This allows you to show the same filtered database on multiple pages, and any changes to the database will reflect everywhere.

Is there a limit to how many synced blocks I can have?

Notion doesn’t impose a specific limit on the number of synced blocks. However, performance might be affected if you have hundreds of synced instances across large pages.

Related

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