> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.crobox.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.crobox.com/how-to-guides/analytics/understand-your-analytics.md).

# Dashboards

Open and manage your Analytics dashboards, use the dashboard controls, understand widget types, and generate widgets with AI.

Dashboards are where you explore your Analytics data. This guide walks you through opening and managing dashboards, using the dashboard controls, and working with widgets, so you can turn your data into decisions.

### Accessing Analytics Dashboards

#### Opening the Analytics Section

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Navigate to Analytics**

In your main navigation, click on **Analytics** → **Dashboards** to access your analytics dashboards.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**View Available Dashboards**

You'll see a list of all available dashboards. Each dashboard serves different analytical purposes and contains relevant widgets for specific business areas.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select a Dashboard**

Click on any dashboard name to open it and start exploring your data.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't see any dashboards, none have been created in this container yet, or you may not have access to them. Turn on **Show archived dashboards** to check for archived ones.
{% endhint %}

#### Archive a dashboard

Archive a dashboard when you no longer need it day to day but want to keep it, like a dashboard for a finished campaign or a past seasonal launch. Archiving keeps every widget and setting, while removing a dashboard deletes it permanently.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the dashboard menu**

On the **Analytics** → **Dashboards** overview, open the menu next to the dashboard you want to archive.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select Archive**

Click **Archive**. The dashboard is hidden from your dashboard list.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

To view archived dashboards, turn on **Show archived dashboards** below the dashboard list. Archived dashboards appear in their original category with an **Archived** label. To restore one, open its menu and click **Unarchive**.

{% hint style="info" %}
Only the dashboard owner or an admin can archive and unarchive a dashboard, the same users who can remove it.
{% endhint %}

When a dashboard is archived:

* It isn't offered as a template for new dashboards.
* Duplicating it creates a new, active copy.
* Opening it doesn't show an archived label. Check its status from the overview list.

### Understanding the Dashboard Interface

#### Dashboard Layout Overview

Analytics dashboards are organized into a clean, intuitive interface designed for data exploration:

**Header Section**

* Dashboard title and description
* Time range selector for filtering data
* Export and sharing options
* Filter controls that apply to all widgets

**Main Content Area**

* Individual widgets arranged in a grid layout
* Each widget displays specific metrics or data views
* Widgets can be different sizes based on their content type

**Navigation Elements**

* Back navigation to return to dashboard overview
* Category-based dashboard organization with collapsible sections
* Direct dashboard access via dashboard table rows

#### Dashboard Controls

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Time Range Selector" %}
**Purpose**: Filter all dashboard data by date range

**How to Use**:

* Click the time range selector (usually shows "Last 30 days" or similar)
* Choose from preset ranges like "Last 7 days", "Last month", "Last quarter"
* Or select custom date ranges for specific analysis periods

**Impact**: Changes the time period for ALL widgets on the dashboard
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Global Filters" %}
**Purpose**: Apply filters that affect all widgets simultaneously

**Common Filters**:

* Product categories
* Geographic regions
* User segments
* Traffic sources

**How to Use**: Click on filter dropdowns and select values. Multiple filters can be applied at once.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Data Updates" %}
**Purpose**: Dashboard data updates automatically when filters change

**How It Works**:

* Data refreshes automatically when date range changes
* Widget data resets when filters are applied
* No manual refresh button - updates are triggered by user actions
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

### Metrics

Every widget is built from metrics, like sessions, revenue, or conversion rate. To see how each metric is calculated, find definitions for the default metrics, or create your own, see [Metrics](/how-to-guides/analytics/metrics.md).

### Widget Types

#### Understanding Different Widget Types

Analytics dashboards contain these verified widget types:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Big Number Widgets**

* Show single metrics with comparison options
* Can compare against previous time periods or other filters
* Display-only functionality with no drill-down capability
* Perfect for monitoring key performance indicators at a glance
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Line Chart Widgets**

* Show time-based trends with configurable intervals (6 hours to monthly)
* Single metric visualization over time
* Horizontal time axis for trend analysis
* Ideal for identifying patterns and seasonal variations
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Bar Chart Widgets**

* Compare values across different categories
* Support group-by functionality for segmentation
* Stacked and unstacked display options
* Vertical axis shows metric values
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Table Widgets**

* Display up to 6 metric columns with group-by capabilities
* CSV export functionality available
* Data rendered as provided (no built-in sorting or search)
* Best for detailed data examination
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Pie Chart Widgets**

* Show proportional data with group-by support
* Single metric visualization
* Effective for understanding composition and distribution
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Additional Widget Types**

* **Radar Chart:** Single metric with group-by comparison
* **Bubble Chart:** Three-metric visualization for complex analysis
* **Comment Box:** Markdown text areas for context and notes
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

#### Widget Interaction

All widgets display data based on current dashboard filters and time ranges. Hover over data points to see detailed values and context.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Edit Mode Interactions" %}
**What Happens**: Hover over widgets to reveal edit controls (if you have edit permissions)

**Available Actions**:

* **Edit**: Modify widget configuration via side panel
* **Duplicate**: Create a copy of the widget
* **Copy**: Copy widget to clipboard for pasting elsewhere
* **Remove**: Delete the widget from dashboard
* **Drag Handle**: Reposition widgets using the drag indicator

**Visual Cues**: Edit bar appears on hover with primary color outline
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Widget Management" %}
**What Happens**: Widgets can be repositioned and resized when in edit mode

**Drag & Drop**:

* Use drag handles to move widgets around the grid
* Resize widgets by dragging corner handles
* Layout changes are automatically saved

**Grid System**: Widgets snap to a responsive grid layout with defined sizes per widget type
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Data Display Only" %}
**Important Note**: Widgets are primarily for data display

**No Interactive Filtering**:

* Charts do not support click-to-filter functionality
* No legend interaction for showing/hiding data series
* No drill-down capabilities within widgets

**Data Updates**: Widgets update automatically when dashboard-level filters change
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### Generate insights with AI

You can generate a widget from a plain-language prompt when creating a widget on any dashboard.

Use **Generate Insights with AI** to speed up setup or refine a widget you already started. The assistant can generate and update the full widget configuration, including the title, widget type, metrics, dimensions, filters, grouping, and sorting.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open the widget creator

Open any dashboard in edit mode.

Click **Create widget** to open the widget panel.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Describe the insight you want

Use the **Describe your widget** field at the top of the panel.

Write the outcome you want to see, not the exact configuration.

Examples:

* `Show which countries drive the most sessions but have low conversion rates`
* `Build a table of active countries with sessions, product boughts, and conversion rate sorted by highest conversion rate`
* `How is cross session conversion vs single session conversion copmaring for visitors who completed the [Insert your finder name]`
* `Compare returning and new visitors by device type to see which segment converts better`
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Generate the widget

Submit your prompt from the widget panel.

The assistant chooses the widget type, metric, dimensions, filters, and other setup values for you.

Use the generated preview to check if the result matches your goal.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Refine the result with another prompt

You can prompt again after the first result.

Use follow-up prompts to adjust the current widget instead of starting over.

For example:

* `Sort this table by conversion rate from high to low and keep only the most impactful countries first`
* `Add product boughts and conversion rate so I can compare traffic volume against outcomes`
* `Change this to a bar chart grouped by device type so the comparison is easier to scan`
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Review and save

Check the generated setup before saving.

You can manually edit any field before you click **Save**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
AI can make mistakes. Review the generated widget before saving.
{% endhint %}

#### Prompt writing tips

Use short, specific prompts for better results.

* Start with the business question you want answered
* Add the dimensions you want to compare, such as country, device type, or visitor type
* Add the ranking, filter, or time angle that makes the result useful

#### When to use it

Use it in two ways:

* **Start faster** when you want a first draft of a widget
* **Refine faster** when you want to update an existing widget with another prompt

### Reading Widget Data Effectively

#### Understanding Visual Cues

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Color Coding" %}
**Performance Indicators**:

* **Green:** Positive performance, growth, or favorable trends
* **Red:** Negative performance, decline, or areas needing attention
* **Blue/Neutral:** Baseline data or informational metrics
* **Consistent Colors:** Same metrics use consistent colors across widgets

**Performance Indicators**\
Look for trend arrows, percentage changes, and comparison indicators that help you quickly assess performance against benchmarks or previous periods.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Trends and Patterns" %}
**Line Charts**:

* Upward slopes = growth or increase
* Downward slopes = decline or decrease
* Flat lines = stable performance
* Sharp changes = significant events or anomalies

**Bar Charts**:

* Height/length indicates relative values
* Grouping shows related categories
* Sorting reveals rankings and priorities
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Context Indicators" %}
**Comparison Elements**:

* Previous period comparisons (vs. last month)
* Year-over-year changes
* Benchmark or target lines
* Industry averages (if available)

**Data Quality Indicators**:

* Confidence intervals
* Sample sizes
* Data freshness timestamps
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

### Troubleshooting

#### Common Issues and Solutions

<details>

<summary>Dashboard not loading or showing "No data"</summary>

* Check your time range settings - you may be looking at a period with no activity
* Verify that your implementation is active and tracking events
* Confirm you have the necessary permissions to view the dashboard

</details>

<details>

<summary>A dashboard is missing from my list</summary>

* The dashboard may be archived. Turn on **Show archived dashboards** below the dashboard list to find it.
* Check that you have permission to view the dashboard.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Widgets showing different date ranges</summary>

* Ensure all widgets are using the same time range and filters
* Check if widgets are pulling from different data sources or attribution models
* Look for widgets that might be using cross-session vs. single-session data

</details>

<details>

<summary>Edit controls not appearing on widget hover</summary>

**Possible Causes**:

* No edit permissions for the dashboard

**Solutions**:

* Check if you have update permissions
* Contact administrator for permission changes

</details>

<details>

<summary>Navigation is slow or unresponsive</summary>

**Possible Causes**:

* Large datasets being processed
* Network connectivity issues
* High system load

**Solutions**:

* Try smaller time ranges or more specific filters
* Check internet connection
* Wait for peak usage times to pass

</details>

<details>

<summary>Missing expected metrics</summary>

* Verify that relevant Crobox experiences are implemented and active
* Check that tracking is properly configured for the events you want to measure from your technical implementation
* Contact your technical team if implementation gaps are identified

</details>

### Best Practices

#### Efficient Navigation Strategies

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Start Broad, Then Focus**

Begin with overview dashboards to understand the big picture, then navigate to specific areas that need attention.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Use Consistent Time Ranges**

When comparing data across multiple dashboards, ensure you're using the same time ranges for accurate comparisons.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Leverage Filters Strategically**

Apply filters to focus on specific segments, but remember to clear them when moving to different analysis areas.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Cross-Reference Data**

Use multiple widgets and dashboards to verify findings and get a complete picture before making decisions.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

#### Data Interpretation Tips

* **Context is Key**\
  Always consider the business context when interpreting data. Seasonal patterns, marketing campaigns, or external events can influence metrics.
* **Look for Patterns**\
  Regular navigation through dashboards helps you recognize normal patterns and quickly spot anomalies.
* **Time Sensitivity**\
  Understand which metrics update frequently and which are calculated on longer cycles to set appropriate expectations.
* **Attribution Understanding**\
  Remember that cross-session metrics provide a more complete view of customer impact than single-session data alone.

### Next Steps

Now that you know your way around dashboards, you're ready to:

* **Explore your metrics**: See how each metric is calculated and create your own in [Metrics](/how-to-guides/analytics/metrics.md)
* **Check your data quality**: Learn how Crobox keeps your numbers reliable in [Data Confidence](/how-to-guides/analytics/data-confidence.md)

Effective navigation is the foundation of data-driven decision making. Practice exploring your dashboards regularly to become more comfortable with the interface and develop insights that drive business value.

***


---

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