Skip to main content

Search

Knowledge Center

Cloning a Dashboard

Purpose Statement

Cloning dashboards allows users to create editable copies of existing dashboards—whether agency-built or provided by First Due. This feature ensures users can tailor dashboard content, modify widget layouts, and personalize reporting views without affecting the original shared dashboard.

Background Information

Agencies frequently clone dashboards to:

  • Customize First Due–provided dashboards for local workflows
  • Personalize dashboards for command staff, officers, or administrative roles
  • Experiment with layout or widget updates before deploying them broadly
  • Maintain clean dashboard templates while still empowering user-level customization

When a dashboard is cloned, the system creates a new version with all widgets, filters, and layout preserved. The cloned dashboard becomes fully editable—even if the original was view-only. Each cloned dashboard must be assigned a unique name.

Required Permissions

To clone and modify dashboards, users must have:

  • Dashboards → View
  • Dashboards → Create
  • Dashboards → Edit
  • Reports → View (required for updating or adding report-based widgets)

Without these permissions, users will not see the clone icon or editing tools.

Video

 

Step-by-Step Guide
 

Step 1: Open the Module Stack

Click the First Due logo in the upper-left corner of the screen. This opens the full module stack, which contains all available system modules, including Dashboards.


 


Step 2: Navigate to the Dashboard List

In the module list, select Dashboard List. This page displays all dashboards available to you, including agency-created dashboards and any First Due–provided templates.




 

Step 3: Select the Dashboard You Want to Clone

Locate the dashboard in the list and click the Clone icon in the Actions column. This tool is available only if you have the appropriate permissions and if the dashboard is eligible for cloning.




Step 4: Enter a New Dashboard Name

A pop-up window appears prompting you to update the dashboard name.
Because dashboard names must be unique, replace the default text with a clear and descriptive name—for example, referencing your role, purpose, or version.




 

Step 5: Confirm by Clicking Clone

Click Clone to finalize the creation of your new dashboard.
The system generates an identical copy and adds it to the dashboard list. You now have full editing permissions on this copied version.




 
 

Step 6: Open Your Newly Cloned Dashboard

From the list, select your newly created dashboard by clicking on the name. Opening the dashboard allows you to review its layout and prepare any modifications.


 

 

Step 7: Enter Layout Editing Mode

Click Edit Layout in the top right corner.
This mode unlocks editing controls, enabling you to adjust widget positioning, modify widget settings, remove unused components, and add new reports or visual elements.



 

Step 8: Adjust Widgets as Needed

Use the layout editor to customize the dashboard to your needs. Options include:

  • Editing a widget: Change the underlying report or update its configuration
  • Deleting a widget: Remove elements that are not relevant to your role
  • Adding widgets: Insert new reports, charts, or summaries that support your workflow

This step allows you to transform the dashboard into a version tailored specifically to your operational responsibilities.



 

 

Step 9: Save Your Customized Dashboard

Once your updates are complete, click Save in the upper-right corner.
This applies all layout changes and finalizes your cloned dashboard. Your customized version is now ready for use.



 

Best Practices

  • Name dashboards clearly: Include your role, purpose, or a version label to avoid confusion.
  • Clone before editing: Always clone shared or template dashboards rather than altering originals.
  • Remove irrelevant widgets: Eliminate unused content to keep dashboards focused and efficient.
  • Verify report permissions: Ensure any added or edited widgets reference reports you have access to.
  • Review dashboard layouts periodically: Remove outdated items and optimize performance. 

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why don’t I see the clone icon?

You may not have the required Create or Edit dashboard permissions. Contact an administrator if cloning options are missing.

Why didn’t my cloned dashboard appear in the list?

Refresh the Dashboard List. If it still does not appear, confirm that you clicked Clone after entering a unique name.

Can editing the cloned dashboard affect the original?

No. All changes apply only to the cloned version.

Why can’t I edit some dashboards?

Some dashboards are locked or view-only. Cloning always produces an editable version.