How to Create a Dashboard

Learn how Dashboards can give you visual access to all of your SmartSuite data and helpful information

Peter Novosel avatar
Written by Peter Novosel
Updated over a week ago

Feature Overview Video


Dashboards give you a configurable and flexible canvas that can be configured with different views into your data in SmartSuite, have easy access to resources you need to get your work done, and keep tabs on important metrics at a glance.


How do I Add a Dashboard?

Adding a Dashboard couldn't be simpler. Dashboards are treated like Saved View Types and appear in the Create New menu of the Saved View drop-down menu. Once added to your Table's Saved View menu, Dashboards can be:

  • Given a unique name

  • You can adjust their position in the list of saved views

  • Placing a Dashboard at the top position in the saved view list will make it the default saved view (so your users will start with the Dashboard view)

  • Set to public or private (if you're a Solution Manager!)

  • Set to autosave changes (the default) or unchecked to require you to manually save changes

To add a Dashboard, follow these simple steps:

  1. Click on the Saved View drop-down menu

  2. Click on Create New

  3. Click Dashboard

That's it! You should see something like this on your screen:

Now you're ready to add widgets. Keep reading to learn how to do it!


What is a Widget?

Widgets are configurable panels designed to display specific types of information, links to information and visual representations of your data. Widgets have a consistent configuration interface, with preferences and settings displayed in a panel to the right when the Widget's Settings are opened. It looks like this:

Widget settings panel

Important facts about Widgets:

  • When you're looking at data in a Dashboard, you're looking at your data through a Widget.

  • You can resize and position Widgets on the Dashboard work surface. If you're an admin or a Solution Manager, those positions will be saved and reflected on other users' views of the Dashboard. (Note that if you are not auto-saving, you will have to click "Save" to make that happen.)

  • You can delete, change color, add descriptions, rename or collapse a Widget by default from the Widget's 3-dot menu. See the image below:

Widget 3-dot options menu


Widget Type Summary

There are several types, including the following categories:

  • Charts. Include visual charts and graphs on your dashboard to visualize data.

  • Embeds. Embed externally hosted data directly into your dashboard.

  • Conferencing. Include links that let you start an online meeting with a click.

  • Metrics. Summarize data from your SmartSuite Tables and compare key indicators over configurable periods of time.

  • Other. A variety of other utility Widgets are available, allowing you to do everything from show the time in remote offices to share announcements with your team.

We're always adding new Widget types to this list, so check back frequently to see what's new!


Adding and Configuring Widgets

Once you've got your empty Dashboard created and named, it's time to start adding content. SmartSuite has a Widget Library interface that makes it easy to find the perfect Widget to showcase your data, or the right utility Widget to make it easier to get things done. Here's how you add them:

  1. Click Add Widget on the Dashboard toolbar

  2. You will be presented with the Widget Library interface, where you can:

    1. Search for a Widget by name - just type in the Find Widget box

    2. Click on a Widget category name to see Widgets by type

    3. Scroll down the page to see cards for each Widget type, along with a short description

  3. Hover your desired Widget to see the Install Widget button

  4. Click Install Widget

The Widget Library looks like this:

Widget library

Your Widget will be opened in its configuration mode with the settings panel expanded. Notice that the name of the Widget is highlighted - just start typing to give your Widget a name.

Depending on the Widget type you will have a variety of configurable options displayed in the Settings panel that are specific to that Widget. See the end of this article for links to articles that will take you through a specific Widget's configuration in detail.

When you're done, just click the Add Widget button to close the Settings interface and place the Widget on your Dashboard. If you change your mind, you can always click Cancel to discard the new Widget and settings.


Edit / View Mode

In the top right corner, you will find a toggle that disables/enables editing of the dashboard view. To make changes to the existing dashboard simply toggle it to edit mode.

Edit Mode

When in Edit mode, users can customize the dashboard layout and settings. The following adjustments are made to streamline the editing experience:

  • Removal of Resizer Options: The resizer options, which are used for adjusting widths, are hidden in Edit mode to avoid distraction.

  • Grabber Icon Removal: The grabber icon, typically used for moving the width of elements, is also hidden to maintain focus on the dashboard's overall configuration.

  • Elimination of Setup-Specific Controls: Any other controls specific to the setup of the dashboard are hidden to declutter the interface during the editing process.

View Mode

The primary goal of the View mode is to provide a clean and distraction-free view of the dashboard content. In this mode:

  • Default Removal of Configuration Controls: Features such as resizer options, grabber icon, and other setup-specific controls are automatically hidden to allow users to concentrate on consuming the dashboard's content.

Default Modes

  • New Dashboard: When creating a new dashboard, the system defaults to Edit mode, allowing users to set up and configure the dashboard according to their preferences.

  • Existing Dashboard: When accessing an existing dashboard, the system defaults to View mode to present the content without distraction. Users can easily switch to Edit mode if further customization is needed.


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