> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chirpwireless.io/dashboards/building-a-dashboard.md).
# Building a Dashboard
The home overview shows your whole smart home at a glance, but sometimes you want a view focused on just one part — the kitchen temperature and humidity, the security sensors on every door, or the garden moisture probe and weather station. That's what dashboards are for.
A dashboard is a view you design yourself by choosing which sensors and readings to display. Before adding any widgets (the individual data displays), you first create the dashboard itself — give it a name, pick an icon, and choose where it lives in your sidebar.
This page covers creating, editing, and deleting dashboards. For organizing dashboards into folders, see [Organizing Your Views](/dashboards/organizing-your-views.md).
## Finding your dashboards
Your dashboards live in the **Dashboards** section of the sidebar. Dashboards are available on plans that include the Dashboard feature. Tap the section to expand and see everything you've created. If this is your first time, the sidebar shows **"No dashboards yet"** — which is perfectly normal.
Next to the Dashboards section, you'll notice two small controls:
* **Add dashboard** (plus icon) — Opens the dialog where you create a new dashboard.
* **Dashboard settings** (gear icon) — Opens the management dialog for folders and reordering, covered in [Organizing Your Views](/dashboards/organizing-your-views.md).
## Creating your first dashboard
Tap **Add dashboard** in the sidebar. A dialog opens with the title **"Add dashboard"** and the message **"Create your personalized dashboard, add the necessary widgets to meet your goals."**
### What to fill in
* **Icon** — Pick an icon that represents the dashboard's purpose. The default is a house icon. Some ideas: a thermometer for a temperature dashboard, a lock for security, a leaf for your garden.
* **Name** *(required)* — Give your dashboard a clear name. The placeholder suggests **"My dashboard"**, but something descriptive works better — "Living Room", "Garden Sensors", or "Front Door Security". If you leave this blank and try to save, you'll see **"Dashboard name is required"**.
* **Folder** — Choose a folder for the dashboard, or leave it at **"None (top level)"** to place it directly in the sidebar. If you've created folders (through [Organizing Your Views](/dashboards/organizing-your-views.md)), they appear in the dropdown. This option only shows up when creating a new dashboard — not when editing later.
* **Description** — An optional note about what this dashboard is for. The placeholder reads **"Describe your dashboard, if needed"**. You might write "Tracks temperature and humidity in the kitchen and dining area" so you remember the purpose later.
### Saving
Tap **Save** to create the dashboard. It opens right away, ready for you to [choose and add widgets](/dashboards/adding-widgets.md). Tap **Cancel** to close without creating anything.
## What you see on a dashboard
Once your dashboard is created and you open it from the sidebar, you'll see:
* The **dashboard name** as a heading on the left.
* A **Live Data** label with a small icon on the right side of the header. This is a status indicator (not a button) that tells you the dashboard receives fresh sensor readings automatically.
* An **actions menu** (three dots) on the far right.
If you haven't added any widgets yet, the center of the dashboard shows the message **"You have no widgets here"** alongside **"Add your first widget to build your dashboard"** and an **Add widget** button. This is your prompt to head to [Choosing Widgets](/dashboards/adding-widgets.md).
## Changing a dashboard's name or icon
Made a typo, or want a different icon?
1. Open the dashboard.
2. Tap the actions menu (three dots) and select **Edit dashboard**. This puts the dashboard into edit mode.
3. Look for the small **pencil icon** that appears near the top left — it replaces the Live Data indicator when you're in edit mode. Tap it.
4. The edit dialog opens with your current name, icon, and description pre-filled. Make your changes.
5. Tap **Save**.
You can't change the folder from this dialog — moving a dashboard between folders is done through [Organizing Your Views](/dashboards/organizing-your-views.md).
## Deleting a dashboard
If you no longer need a dashboard:
1. Open it from the sidebar.
2. Tap the actions menu and select **Delete dashboard**.
3. A confirmation appears: **"Are you sure you want to delete {dashboard name} dashboard?"** with the note **"Once deleted, this action cannot be undone."**
4. Tap **Yes, delete** to confirm.
This permanently removes the dashboard and everything on it.
## What's next
* [Choosing Widgets](/dashboards/adding-widgets.md) — Add sensor data, charts, and floor plans to your new dashboard.
* [Organizing Your Views](/dashboards/organizing-your-views.md) — Group dashboards into folders like "Upstairs" and "Garden".
* [Home Overview](/overview.md) — The default view that's always there, even before you create dashboards.
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