How to Create a Dashboard In Jira? A Step By Step Guide

Author's avatar Analytics UPDATED Mar 22, 2023 PUBLISHED Aug 11, 2022 11 minutes read

Table of contents

    Peter Caputa

    To see what Databox can do for you, including how it helps you track and visualize your performance data in real-time, check out our home page. Click here.

    The way you go about project management in your organization can literally make or break the entire company.

    What’s the point of spending countless hours and resources on an important project just to have it killed because you didn’t properly manage your team’s performance?

    This is something that a ton of executives face at least once in their career, and the best way to prevent it is by using project management software such as Jira.

    By tracking project-related metrics and activities with Jira in a separate dashboard, you can also save a hefty amount of time by having a clear overview of your projects at any time.

    In this report, we’ll show you how to create a dashboard in Jira by following a few simple steps.

    How to Set Up Dashboards and Reports in Jira

    Jira dashboards typically showcase data through various gadgets and can be very helpful in monitoring how a project or task is progressing (all on one page).

    You can forward the dashboards to team members to let them know how the projects are developing and remind them to get started on other pending tasks.

    Some companies even leverage them to create competitor analysis dashboards.

    But, how to create a dashboard in Jira?

    For starters, you’ll have to login into your account. And, remember that only the Jira Admin has permission to customize the dashboards and pick out the included elements.

    Without further ado, let’s go over the exact steps you can follow to set up and maintain a Jira dashboard.

    Step 1: Creating a New Dashboard

    Our first step will be to click on the ‘Dashboards’ icon in the main menu and press ‘Create Dashboard’.

    Creating a New Dashboard
    Source: atlassian.net

    In the pop-up window, you can enter all the relevant dashboard details.

    For instance, choose a name for the dashboard (‘Name’ field) and include a short description (‘Description’ field).

    Creating a New Dashboard - step 2
    Source: atlassian.net

    If you press the drop-down button beneath ‘Access’, you can choose one of the requirement-based options. This is the place where you can grant access to different employees in your company.

    drop-down button beneath ‘Access’
    Source: atlassian.net

    Lastly, click ‘Save’ to open up a blank Jira dashboard.

    opening a blank Jira dashboard
    Source: atlassian.net

    Step 2: Adding Gadgets to Jira Dashboards

    Without a doubt, gadgets are Jira’s most valuable dashboard tools. This is because they are the primary data indicators.

    To add gadgets, simply click the ‘Add Gadget’ tab in the right corner of the blank dashboard screen.

    Adding Gadgets to Jira Dashboards
    Source: atlassian.net

    You will see a window that contains dozens of different gadgets that can be added to the dashboard – simply choose the ones that you deem fit.

    window with dozens of different Jira gadgets
    Source: atlassian.net

    Each gadget comes with an ‘Add Gadget’ button on the right side of its name.

    Once you finish cherry-picking the gadgets, just press ‘Close’ to return to the main window.

    Step 3: Customizing Added Gadgets

    No matter which gadget you add, each one has its own unique settings that can be altered and customized.

    By customizing the gadgets, you can choose the way in which they display data and information.

    To start editing, click the ellipsis on the right side of the gadget.

    As you can see in the image, you have the option to change the gadget’s color, rename it, delete it, and more.

    To change the gadget settings, click the ‘Configure’ option.

    Customizing Added Gadgets
    Source: atlassian.net

    Don’t forget to click the ‘Save’ button after you’re done making changes.

    Step 4: Changing the Layout

    You can change your Jira dashboard’s layout by pressing ‘Change Layout’ in the right corner of the main dashboard menu.

    change your Jira dashboard’s layout
    Source: atlassian.net

    There are five layout options that you can choose from.

    layout options
    Source: atlassian.net

    Once you do, the dashboard will automatically change in accordance with the layout.

    Step 5: Sharing Your Jira Dashboard

    After you’re finished creating your Jira competitor analysis dashboard, you will probably want to share it with your team.

    To do this, click the ellipsis on the right side of the dashboard and press ‘Edit and Share’.

    Sharing Your Jira Dashboard
    Source: atlassian.net

    Choose which employees you want to receive the dashboard by clicking the drop-down arrow beneath ‘Access’. Here, you’ll see a full list of project members, teams, and your overall organization.

    drop-down arrow beneath ‘Access'
    Source: atlassian.net

    That’s it!

    Related: Project Management Report: 6 Best Practices for Writing One

    Limitations of Using Jira Dashboards

    While Jira dashboards do provide users with some great utility, they come with certain limitations that simply can’t be overlooked.

    For starters, the integration and migration process is far too complex.

    Connecting data from a certain source can even take hours of your time, and many users have pointed this out as a major drawback.  

    Next, we have file upload issues.

    Each time you want to upload a file or image that is larger than 10MB, something triggers an avalanche of issues in Jira.

    This is pretty surprising considering that most of their advanced features are rock-solid.

    Lastly, we have the not-so-simple user interface.

    While some more experienced users might have an easier time getting to know the ropes, a beginner will face huge issues navigating through Jira.

    Considering all of this, Jira probably isn’t the ideal solution for your project management software.

    Databox provides a much more streamlined experience in all of the above-mentioned things.

    In terms of integrations, we have over 70 data sources that you can connect with literally a few clicks of a button. Just choose which one(s) you want, and the data will automatically populate.

    Next, you can drag and drop all of the metrics that are the most relevant to your data dashboard and organize them by simply moving the datablocks around.

    No hassle, no stress.

    Our interface is designed to provide the best possible user experience, and all of the sections are concisely organized. You won’t have to waste any time finding the options you need.

    How to Build a Jira Dashboard in Databox [Free Template Included]

    Now that you know how to create dashboard in Jira, we want to show you a way to streamline the process.

    One of the best methods is by using Databox.

    Let’s go over the exact process of building a Jira dashboard in Databox and show you one of the most popular free templates among our users.

    Step 1: Connect Your Jira Account with Databox

    This is pretty straightforward.

    Just open up ‘Data Manager’ and click ‘New Connection’. Type in Jira in the search bar and press ‘Connect’.

    Connect your Jira account with Databox

    You’ll see an Authorization window appear. Here, you will have to type in your Jira login information and authorize Databox.

    Jira Authorization window

    Remember, to connect your Jira account, you need to have ‘Global’ Jira permission. Check out this page on how to get it.

    When you connect a Jira data source, you will be able to upload 24 months’ worth of data.

    Step 2: Use a Pre-Built Jira Template

    Open ‘Databoards’ > ‘Public Templates’.

    In the drop-down list of data sources, choose Jira.

    Next, click ‘Use Template’ to pull one into your account and populate your dashboard with Jira data.

    Use a Pre-Built Jira Template

    Step 3: Drag and Drop the Metrics

    Once you connect your Jira account with Databox, you should click on the ‘Metric Library’ tab on the left side of the Dashboard Designer.

    There is a list of pre-built Jira datablocks included that you can drag and drop onto your dashboard.

    Some of the most popular Jira metrics included are:

    • Bugs reported
    • Issues created
    • Issues resolved
    • Completed work by projects
    • Completed work by implementer
    • Issues in progress

    Step 4: Add Visualization

    Finally, visualize the metrics!

    This step is just as simple as the previous ones.

    Simply click on the ‘Visualization Types’ icon that’s located under the ‘Metric Library’ icon.

    Add Visualisation

    Here, you’ll find a list of all the available Databox visualizations. Select the ones you want to include and just drag and drop them onto the dashboard.

    Free Jira Software Template

    To stay on top of your most important custom Jira metrics and monitor your team’s efforts and efficiency, you can use this free Jira Software Template.

    With this template, you can track the development of all of your projects and measure how productive your team is.

    Free Jira Software Template

    Once you connect your Jira account, you’ll be able to learn:

    • How many issues occur in each stage of the life cycle
    • Which project tasks have been completed in the previous month
    • Who completed the tasks and how long it took them to do it
    • How many issues have been resolved (and which are still pending)
    • What is your team’s response time to issues

    If you’ve noticed that some of the metrics you want to track are missing on this dashboard, don’t worry!

    This template is just an example, you can customize it in any way you want. You can connect additional data sources, include/exclude the metrics, and change the visualizations to something that better suits your style.

    Automate Project Management Reporting

    Using project management tools like Jira is one of the best ways to measure the performance and progress of your key projects.

    Not only does it help you handle current projects, but you will have a much easier time strategizing future ones as well.

    While Jira does offer some cutting-edge tools and options for effective project management, there are certain limitations that can make the process much more complicated than it has to be.

    Assuming that you don’t have hours (and nerves) to waste, you’ll be much better off using advanced software like Databox.

    Databox automates project management reporting by simplifying the process to the bare bones.

    You can connect a data source, cherry-pick the relevant metrics, and then make them come to life with visually engaging charts and graphs.

    No matter which type of project you’re working on, connecting all the puzzle pieces together will become much easier once you have the data in one place.

    While this process only takes a couple of minutes, we know that even that can be a lot of time for busy executives.

    That’s why we also have a team in place to build the dashboard for you. Simply contact our support and explain which metrics you want to be included.

    Want to experience some of our dashboard magic? Sign up for a free trial and automate your project management reporting today!

    Author's avatar
    Article by
    Filip Stojanovic

    Filip Stojanovic is a content writer who studies Business and Political Sciences. Also, I am a huge tennis enthusiast. Although my dream is to win a Grand Slam, working as a content writer is also interesting.

    More from this author

    Get practical strategies that drive consistent growth

    Read some