How to set up a Notion template: duplicate, customise and launch

What do I need before I start?

• A Notion account. The free plan is enough to duplicate a template; team features depend on your plan.
• The template link from your purchase receipt or download page.
• The browser where you are signed in to the right workspace, especially if you use more than one.
• One live project to enter first, so you test the template on real work.

How do I duplicate a Notion template into my workspace?

1. 1

   Open the template link

   It opens as a public Notion page in your browser.

2. 2

   Click Duplicate

   The button is in the top-right corner of the page. If you are not signed in, Notion asks you to log in or sign up first.

3. 3

   Choose the workspace

   Pick the studio workspace, not a personal one, if you have several.

4. 4

   Wait for the copy

   Large templates take a few seconds. Notion opens the copy when it is ready.

Where does the copy go, and how do I tidy it?

The duplicate lands in the Private section of your sidebar, together with all its sub-pages. Only you can see it there. If the studio will use it, drag it into a teamspace or share the top page with your colleagues.

Some blocks may show 'No access'. These usually point to content that was not meant to be duplicated, and you can delete them. Then rename the top page, pick an icon and pin it to your sidebar favourites.

What's inside ArchitectOS and InteriorDesignOS?

Both templates share the same studio structure, with these sections in the sidebar: Projects, Clients, Drawings, Approvals, Selections, Vendors, Fees & Invoices, Pin Board, Template Vault.

• Project statuses: Enquiry, Proposal sent, Active, On site, On hold, Completed, Cancelled.
• DRAW phases: Design brief, Revisions, Approvals, Wrap.
• Fee types: % of construction cost, Fixed lump sum, Hourly rate, Retainer.
• ArchitectOS adds a projects dashboard charted by status, DRAW phase and fee type.
• InteriorDesignOS adds a projects table with client, contractor, construction value, amount invoiced, approvals and DRAW phase, plus a deadlines calendar.

How do I customise a template without breaking it?

• Rename select options (such as statuses or phases) instead of deleting and recreating them, so existing entries and filtered views keep working.
• Never delete a relation or rollup property until you know which views and dashboards use it. Hide it from the view instead.
• Duplicate a view before changing its filters, so you can compare and roll back.
• Add new properties at the end of the table, and keep property names short and consistent.
• Set a default database template for new projects, so every page starts with the same headings and checklists.

How do I add my first live project?

1. 1

   Add the client

   Create the client in Clients with their contact details.

2. 2

   Create the project

   Add the project in Projects, link the client and set status, DRAW phase and fee type.

3. 3

   Log current drawings

   Add the sheets you are working on in Drawings, linked to the project.

4. 4

   Record open approvals

   Add any decisions awaiting the client in Approvals.

5. 5

   Add selections and vendors

   Enter the items and suppliers already in play.

6. 6

   Track fees

   Record fees and invoices in Fees & Invoices.

Leave the rest for now. Adding projects as they become active is easier, and more accurate, than migrating your whole archive on day one.

How do I invite my team and share with clients?

Add colleagues as workspace members so they can work in the template. Share individual pages with clients and consultants as guests, with the lowest permission they need, and keep internal fee and vendor information on pages they cannot see.

How do I build the habit?

The studio home is built around two check-ins:

• Today: check deadlines + approvals.
• Weekly: review active projects + invoice pipeline.

What if something goes wrong?

• I can't find the copy: look in the Private section of the sidebar, or press Cmd/Ctrl + K and search for the template's name.
• It went into the wrong workspace: duplicate it again into the right one, then delete the extra copy.
• I see 'No access' blocks: delete them; they point to content that was not meant to be copied.
• A view looks empty: check its filters, then check whether the sample entries were deleted.

• Notion: Duplicate public pages
• Notion: Database templates

Frequently asked questions

How do I duplicate a Notion template?

Open the template link, click Duplicate in the top-right corner and choose your workspace. The copy appears in the Private section of your sidebar.

Do I need a paid Notion plan to use a template?

No plan is needed to duplicate a template. Team features such as more guests, larger file uploads and Notion AI depend on your Notion plan.

Can I change a template after duplicating it?

Yes. It is your copy, so every page, property and view can be renamed or changed. Rename options rather than deleting properties so relations keep working.

Will deleting the sample data break anything?

Deleting sample entries is safe. Deleting properties, relations or databases can break views and dashboards, so hide those instead until you are sure.

How do I share the template with my team?

Move it into a teamspace or share the top page with workspace members. Share individual pages with clients as guests.

What do I get with ArchitectOS or InteriorDesignOS?

A Notion template, $79 each, delivered as a link you duplicate into your own workspace. The pricing section on the home page lists everything included.

Sources and further reading

• Notion: Duplicate public pages
• Notion: The ultimate guide to Notion templates
• Notion: Database templates
• Notion: Sharing and permissions