Superset Dashboards

Superset dashboards are powerful tools designed to bring together multiple charts and data visualizations into a cohesive, interactive display. These dashboards help users monitor key metrics, track performance, and gain insights from their data in real time. This guide covers the essential aspects of Superset dashboards, including their importance, prerequisites for creating them, the creation process, customization options, and key features.

Prerequisites for Creating a Dashboard

Before creating a dashboard in Superset, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

  • Database Connection: A database must be connected to Superset. Supported databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, and others.
  • Datasets: The data to be visualized must be organized into datasets. Datasets act as the bridge between the database and the visualization layer.
  • Charts: At least one chart should be created from the datasets to be included in the dashboard.

Creating a New Dashboard

  1. In Superset, go to the Dashboards screen.
  2. Click on the + Dashboard button. You will be taken to the screen as shown below:
  3. Provide a name and description for the new dashboard.
  4. Add existing charts to the dashboard by selecting them from the list shown on the right side. You can filter the charts by typing search keywords or just to see your charts. 
  5. Arrange the charts and other components by dragging and dropping them into the desired layout.
  6. Customize the appearance by adjusting themes, colors, and fonts. 
  7. Use Layout elements like Tab, text, etc to add it to your dashboard. 
  8. Click the Save button to save the dashboard.
  9. Click on the Draft tag shown next to the Dashboard name to publish the dashboard for access by others in your organization. (Refer to below screenshot)

Once the dashboard is published, you can share it with the audience via URL or email. You also have an option to download the dashboard as a PDF or image. You can find all such options by clicking the eclipse icon () shown next to the Edit Dashboard button. (highlighted below) 

Editing the Dashboard

Editing or updating a dashboard in Superset is a straightforward process that allows users to refine their visualizations and layouts to better reflect new data or insights. This ensures that the dashboard remains relevant and useful over time. Here are the steps to edit or update a dashboard:

  1. Navigate to the Dashboards screen and locate the dashboard you wish to edit.
  2. Click on the dashboard to open it.
  3. Click the Edit Dashboard button shown on the top right side.
  4. Make necessary changes such as rearranging charts, adding new charts, or updating filters.
  5. Adjust the appearance and customization settings as needed.
  6. Click the Save button to save the updated dashboard.
  7. Republish the dashboard if necessary to ensure the changes are available to users.