# Import from Notion

> Migrate from Notion by curating structure before export.

Migrate from Notion by curating structure before export.

For general import docs, see:

- [Import content to Capacities](/reference/import)
- [Bulk Import Reference](/reference/bulk-import)

## Quick migration flow

1. Decide what to keep and map it to Capacities object types.
2. Prepare Notion databases for cleaner export.
3. Export selected content as Markdown + CSV.
4. Review mapping in Bulk Import, then import.
5. Verify properties, links, and media.

### Warnings

- Bulk import is not a one-click perfect migration
- Do not continue if mapping looks wrong

## Understand the paradigm shift

Notion is document-first. Capacities is object-type-first.

- In Notion, structure often emerges from nested pages/databases
- In Capacities, structure is explicit through object types, properties, and links (not hierarchy)

If this model does not fit how you want to work, do not migrate everything at once. Test with a subset first.

If you want a deeper explanation of this shift, read [Understanding the paradigm shift](/migration/understanding-the-migration-paradigm-shift).

## Map model before export

Capacities is object-type-first. Define key object types early (`People`, `Projects`, `Meetings`, etc.) and add core properties.

Review your databases/pages and group them by noun-based "thing" types first (for example `People`, `Projects`, `Meetings`).

Then create matching object types in Capacities so the importer has clear targets.

Object types should be noun-based. For pages/databases that are not noun-like (`Weekly planning`, `Inbox workflow`), either:

1. Restructure into noun-based groups, or
2. Import as Pages (good for free-form notes, but without properties).

For a deeper product comparison, see [Switching from Notion to Capacities](/migration/switching-from-notion).

## Decide what not to migrate

Do not export everything by default. Triage first:

- Keep and migrate
- Archive externally (for now)
- Discard

You can always import more later.

## Prepare Notion data

Migration quality depends heavily on data cleanup.

Before export:

- Remove or hide properties you do not need
- Flatten complex formula/rollup dependencies when necessary
- Keep page titles clear and unique
- Plan to export related databases together (to improve link resolution)

Note: formulas usually export results, not dynamic logic; some relations/rollups can flatten.

## Export as Markdown + CSV

Export only the selected content you intend to migrate.

Use **Markdown + CSV** as your default format for this flow.

## Review mapping, then import

In Capacities, go to **Settings > Import Content**, open the **Notion** guide in **Migration guides**, then click **Start importing** and upload your export folders.

Before importing:

- Confirm recognized object types are correct
- Optionally add an import marker
- Stop and fix setup if preview looks wrong

Then click `Analyze`, review, and click `Import`. Keep Capacities open until import completes.

## Verify after import

Check:

- Titles and object types
- Key properties (dates, tags, source fields)
- Internal links between related notes
- Attachments and media