Freezing the columns of a table in Notion helps keep important information visible while scrolling through the table. But while this feature of freezing columns is nifty, is it doable within Notion?
If so, how do you freeze columns in Notion?
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How to Freeze Columns in Notion
As of this writing, Notion does not have a native feature or ability to freeze columns in a database. Notion users have been sending requests to add the “freeze columns” or “sticky column” feature.
While waiting for the Notion team to act on these requests, there are two workaround methods to freeze the columns added to your Notion database.
Method 1: Create Replica of a Property to Freeze Columns in Notion
This method works best for people who do not want to go out of Notion to apply the “freeze column” feature within the app. While it isn’t foolproof, it helps create the illusion of having frozen columns.
The idea here is to strategically place the “frozen column” so that when you navigate through it (left to right), that column is still visible.
Granting that you have opened the Notion page with the database, follow these next steps:
Note: “Property” and “Column” are the same in Notion. They refer to the cells added vertically in the “table” or “database.”
1. Identify the column or property you want to duplicate.
Usually, this is the first column or property on the database where all the other column entries are based from. This could be the “Name” or “Date” column.
2. Select the “+” button in the database’s upper right corner.
This button will open a new side-panel menu, allowing you to add a new property to the existing database.
3. Choose the “Formula” option.
You can browse through the property type options listed on the menu. But typing in the search bar the property name (in this case, “formula”) is the easier method.
Once the “Formula” property option appears, select it. The “Edit property” side panel then appears.
4. Copy the header title of the property you’re duplicating.
By default, the new property’s name is the name of the property type (Formula). Just delete and replace it with the header name of the base property (Name).
You can add a distinguishing name to this property. A red “A property named “[header name]” already exists in this database” notification appears if the new column has the exact name as the original.
5. Click the “Formula” option.
This is the second option after “Type.” This allows you to add a formula to that new property.
6. Find the name of the property you’re duplicating from the “Properties” pane.
The blinking cursor is in the “Type a formula” field by default. Clicking on a property name from the “Properties” pane copies the formula applied to all its cells to the new column.
7. Select “Done.”
This button will turn blue once the formula from the original column is copied to the new one.
You’re then redirected to the “Edit property” pane, where you can click “X” to close it.
8. Drag and drop the duplicated property to its new location.
Be strategic with this step. Make sure that the location of the duplicated column makes it visible even as you slide across the columns of the database.
This creates the illusion that that particular column is “frozen.”
Method 2: Using Third-Party Extensions to Freeze Columns in Notion
There are developers within the Notion community who create extensions to better the functionality of this tool. One such extension is Notion Enhancer.
Head over to the “Extensions” section and find the “freeze column” extension.
If you can’t find it, sync your Google Sheets to Notion databases (and vice versa) through the “Notion2Sheets” add-on tool. This way, you can access the “freeze column” feature in Sheets and navigate the table better there.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of freezing columns in Notion helps users maintain focus on crucial data and streamline their productivity when viewing extensive tables. Employing any of the methods mentioned helps organize information effortlessly.
Hence, you become more efficient and enjoy working in your Notion workspace within this versatile platform.