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Relation Fields

packages/twenty-docs/user-guide/data-model/capabilities/relation-fields.mdx

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Types of Relations

One-to-Many

One record in Object A can be linked to many records in Object B.

Example: One Company can have many People (employees).

Many-to-One

Many records in Object A can be linked to one record in Object B.

Example: Many People can belong to one Company.

Relations to Multiple Object Types

Some objects can link to multiple object types on one side of the relation.

Example: A Note can be attached to one Person AND one Company AND one Opportunity simultaneously. The Note is on the "many" side, connecting to multiple "one" sides.

Similarly, a Project (on the "one" side) could receive links from multiple People, multiple Companies, and multiple Notes.

<Warning> **Import/Export limitation**: Relations pointing to multiple object types are not yet supported for CSV import/export. This is on our roadmap. </Warning>

Many-to-Many

Many records in Object A can be linked to many records in Object B.

Example: Many People can be linked to many Projects, and vice versa.

Many-to-many relations use a junction object pattern: an intermediate object that connects both sides. With the junction relation feature, Twenty displays the final linked records directly, hiding the intermediate object from the UI.

<Warning> **Lab Feature**: Junction relations must be enabled at **Settings → Updates → Lab** before use. </Warning>

See How to Create Many-to-Many Relations for a complete step-by-step guide.

Creating a Relation Field

  1. Go to Settings → Data Model
  2. Select the object where you want to add the relation
  3. Click + Add Field
  4. Select Relation as the field type
  5. Choose the target object(s) to relate to
  6. Configure the relation settings:
    • Field name on source object: The name of the relation field on the object you're editing
    • Field name on destination object: The name of the relation field that will appear on the target object
    • Relation type (one-to-many, many-to-one)
  7. Click Save

Standard Relations

Twenty comes with pre-built relations between standard objects:

From ObjectTo ObjectRelation Type
PeopleCompaniesMany-to-One
OpportunitiesCompaniesMany-to-One
OpportunitiesPeopleMany-to-One

Best Practices

Planning Relations

  • Map your data model: Plan relations before creating them
  • Consider direction: Think about which object "owns" the relationship
  • Avoid circular dependencies: Keep your data model clean

Naming Relations

  • Use clear names: Make it obvious what the relation represents
  • Be consistent: Use similar naming patterns across relations
  • Consider both sides: Name both sides of the relation appropriately

Performance

  • Don't over-relate: Too many relations can slow down your workspace

Limitations

  • Deleting relations removes the link but not the related records
  • Circular relations should be avoided for data integrity