# Getting started with Geckoboard

Learn how to build dashboards that help your team visualize KPIs in real time.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

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This guide will walk you through the essential steps to build a dashboard, including how to connect your data sources, create widgets to visualize your data and customize what’s displayed. Watch the full video guide or skip to the written instructions below.

[Welcome to Geckoboard!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4L2DX1v28g)

## Connect a data source

To begin, connect your [data source](/content/product/data-sources/index.html) to Geckoboard by following these steps:

1. Click the **\+ Add widget** button on your dashboard.
2. Search for and select your desired data source.
3. Click **Start from scratch** or select a pre-built widget.
4. Follow the prompts to create the connection.

Some data sources will be available for use immediately, while others will take time to import. Once ready, you can use the same connection to power all your widgets for that data source.

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## Customize widgets to visualize your data

With your data source connected, it's time to configure a widget:

1. Hover over the top right of your widget, click the ellipsis, then click **Edit**.
2. From the configuration page, select the metric you wish to display.
3. Choose the best visualization type for your data.
4. Select your preferred time period, if applicable.
5. Customize your widget by [adding filters](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055725-use-filter-results-to-refine-your-data), [adjusting the formatting](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055761-set-the-format-of-widget-numbers), or [adding a title](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055735-add-widget-titles-and-labels).

To complete your dashboard, continue building widgets. Create new widgets with the **\+ Add a widget** button or use the **[Duplicate](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055764-duplicate-a-dashboard-widget)** feature to make copies of existing widgets.

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## Next steps

Explore these features to enhance your widgets and get the most out of Geckoboard after creating your dashboard:

- [Set targets](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055737-add-goals-to-number-widgets) for your metrics using Goals.
- [Create visual alerts](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055745-create-visual-alerts-with-status-indicators) to quickly spot changes in your metrics.
- [Arrange widgets in groups](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055766-arrange-widgets-on-a-dashboard) to show the relationship between your metrics.
- [Invite users to](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055695-invite-new-people-to-your-geckoboard-account) build or view dashboards.
- Share your dashboard with sharing links or [Snapshots for email](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055740-email-scheduled-dashboard-screenshots), [Microsoft Teams or Slack](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055749-send-dashboard-snapshots-to-microsoft-teams-or-slack).
- Use [Send to screen](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/6055746-use-send-to-tv-to-display-your-dashboards-on-a-screen) to pair a display to Geckoboard and showcase your dashboard.
- [Use Drilldown and Source data](https://support.geckoboard.com/en/articles/7203792-use-drilldown-and-source-data-to-investigate-the-data-behind-your-widgets) to investigate the data powering your widgets.

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## Additional resources

Check out these resources to learn more about Geckoboard:

- [Help Center](https://support.geckoboard.com/)
- [Dashboard design best practices](/content/best-practice/index.html)
- [Dashboard examples library](/content/dashboard-examples/index.html)