Purpose Statement

To demonstrate how to clone a Dashboard, enabling users to create duplicate copies of existing dashboards as starting points for new configurations while preserving the original dashboard's widget structure and layout.

Background Information

Dashboard cloning is a powerful feature that allows users to create copies of existing dashboards without starting from scratch. This functionality is particularly useful when creating similar dashboards for different departments, roles, or time periods. Cloned dashboards maintain all widget configurations, layouts, and settings from the original while allowing complete customization of the duplicate. This approach significantly reduces setup time and ensures consistency across related dashboards.

Required Permissions

Users must have Dashboard Module access permissions and Clone Dashboard permissions to duplicate existing dashboards. Edit Dashboard permissions are required to modify the cloned dashboard's properties and widget configurations after creation.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to the Dashboards Module on the top of the module stack.

2. Select Dashboard List.

3. Select the Clone Icon in the Actions column.

4. Give the new cloned Dashboard a new name.

5. Click on Clone to create the Dashboard. Click Cancel to cancel.

6. Click on the Pencil Icon in the Actions column to edit the Name, Description, or Sharing settings of the new Dashboard.

7. Navigate back to the Dashboard menu and select Dashboards.

8. The new version of your cloned Dashboard should be open, or you can select it from the drop-down menu.

9. Click on Edit Layout in the upper right-hand corner to change or add Widgets to the new Dashboard.

10. Click on Add Widget to open up the Widget modal.

11. Check out the article on Creating a Dashboard for information on different Widgets you can add.

12. Click on Save when you are done editing or updating the Dashboard.

Best Practices

• Use descriptive names for cloned dashboards that clearly differentiate them from the original
• Add detailed descriptions to cloned dashboards explaining their specific purpose or target audience
• Review and update widget titles and configurations to match the new dashboard's intended use
• Test all cloned widgets to ensure external links and reports function correctly in the new context
• Consider sharing settings when cloning dashboards, especially if the clone is for a different user group
• Document any modifications made to cloned dashboards to maintain version control
• Regularly audit cloned dashboards to prevent unnecessary duplication and system clutter

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don't I see a Clone icon for certain dashboards? A: The Clone function may be restricted based on your permissions or the dashboard's sharing settings. Verify you have appropriate clone permissions for the specific dashboard.

Q: Do cloned dashboards maintain the same sharing permissions as the original? A: Cloned dashboards typically inherit sharing settings from the original, but you can modify these settings using the edit function after cloning.

Q: What happens if the original dashboard is deleted after I clone it? A: Cloned dashboards are independent copies. Deleting the original dashboard will not affect the cloned version.

Q: Can I clone a dashboard and modify it simultaneously? A: It's recommended to complete the cloning process first, then make modifications to avoid potential conflicts or data loss.

Q: Do report widgets in cloned dashboards reference the same underlying reports? A: Yes, cloned report widgets reference the same reports as the original. Changes to the underlying reports will affect both dashboards.

Related Articles

• Creating a Dashboard
• Dashboard Widget Management
• Dashboard List Overview
• Dashboard Sharing and Permissions
• Dashboard Performance Optimization