---
title: "Understand dashboard card types"
slug: "understanding-dashboard-card-types"
updated: 2026-10-29T18:37:05Z
published: 2026-10-29T18:37:05Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/understanding-dashboard-card-types"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understand dashboard card types

Cards form the foundation of your FastField [dashboard](/fastfield/docs/dashboards-introduction), each presenting data in a distinct way through charts, grids, maps, and other means. As you add new cards to your dashboard, you gain the ability to pull form submission data from various sources linked to your account. This article provides a detailed overview of the card types available and how they can be used to give you the data insights you need.

## Overview

On the Dashboards page in the FastField Portal, you're able to create dashboards with a diverse range of card types to give you specific business insights at a glance. You can also drag each card to arrange their order and adjust their sizes according to your preferences. To create a new card, select **+ New Card** on the Dashboards page. Then, select a card type. Read below for a description of each type, along with recommended form fields to map data from.

## Chart types

### Pie charts

Pie charts are circular statistical graphics divided into slices, each illustrating numerical proportions. Each slice is directly proportional to the total quantity it represents. Recommended fields: [Lookup Lists](/fastfield/docs/lookup-lists-1), [Global Lists](/fastfield/docs/global-lists-1), [Option List](/fastfield/docs/option-list-field), [Ratings](/fastfield/docs/rating-selector), [Yes/No/NA](/fastfield/docs/yes-no-na-three-state), [Switch](/fastfield/docs/switch-yes-no-video)

### Bar graphs

Bar graphs visually represent categorical data with rectangular bars. The heights of these bars are proportional to the values they represent. Bars can be plotted either vertically or horizontally. Recommended fields: [Lookup Lists](/fastfield/docs/lookup-lists), [Global Lists](/fastfield/docs/global-lists), [Option List](/fastfield/docs/option-list-field), [Ratings](/fastfield/docs/rating-selector), [Yes/No/NA](/fastfield/docs/yes-no-na-three-state), [Switch](/fastfield/docs/switch-yes-no-video)

### Timelines

Timelines are graphical representations that utilize a linear scale to represent time. A unit of distance on the scale corresponds to a set amount of time. Recommended fields: [Ratings](/fastfield/docs/rating-selector), [Yes/No/NA](/fastfield/docs/yes-no-na-three-state), [Switch](/fastfield/docs/switch-yes-no-video)

### Gauges

Gauges are graphical representations that measure the magnitude, amount, or contents of something, providing a visual display. Recommended fields: [Ratings](/fastfield/docs/rating-selector), [Yes/No/NA](/fastfield/docs/yes-no-na-three-state), [Switch,](/fastfield/docs/switch-yes-no-video) [Numeric](/fastfield/docs/numeric-field)[,](/fastfield/docs/switch-yes-no-video) [Formatted Numeric](/fastfield/docs/formatted-numeric-field-formatted-input)

## Grids and values

### Tables

Tables present facts or figures systematically in columns. Recommended fields: Any

### Value summary

This window displays values aggregated from collected form results. Recommended fields: Any

### Metric

Metrics are summarized values in integer form, aggregated using methods such as minimum, maximum, sum, count, and average. Recommended fields: [Numeric](/fastfield/docs/numeric-field), [Formatted Numeric](/fastfield/docs/formatted-numeric-field-formatted-input), [Rating](/fastfield/docs/rating-selector)

### Submissions goals

Displays configured goal submissions for user groups based on time intervals. You can select up to 5 forms to be used in a submissions goal card.

## Activity

### Form submissions

Displays recent form submission activity chronologically, showing the form name, user, and date.

### Submission count

Shows the total submissions within your account, sortable by time periods.

### User activity

Shows user activity related to your account, including Portal logins, submitted forms, and other account activity.

### Recent modified forms

Displays forms that were recently modified, allowing quick edits and data retrieval.

### Form delivery activity

Shows actions related to form delivery, including successes and failures recorded.

## Quick buttons

### Web app

Shortcut link to the FastField web application.

## External

### Web link

Shortcut link to an external URL.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> For security reasons, certain websites may not allow embedding via an <iframe>. If issues arise, check with the website administrator on their Content-Security-Policy or X-Frame-Options settings.

## Maps

### Pins card

Displays submission data on a map based on where the data was captured.

---

### Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

#### Q: Can I create custom cards for my dashboard?

**A:** Currently, FastField only offers a predefined set of card types for dashboards. While you can't create entirely custom cards, we regularly enhance our features based on user feedback. Feel free to share your specific needs, and we'll consider them for future updates.

#### Q: Is there a limit to the number of cards I can add to my dashboard?

**A:** There's no strict limit on the number of cards you can add. However, for optimal performance, we recommend keeping dashboards concise and focused on essential data.

#### Q: Can I customize the appearance of the cards on my dashboard?

**A:** Yes, you can [customize the appearance of your cards](/fastfield/docs/arranging-cards-and-using-card-actions). They can be rearranged and resized on your dashboard according to your needs.

#### Q: How often is data updated on my dashboards?

**A:** Data on your dashboards is updated in near real-time. Any changes in form submissions or updates to connected data sources reflect on dashboards shortly after the action occurs.

#### Q: Can I share dashboards with other users in my organization?

**A:** Yes, you can [share dashboards](/fastfield/docs/sharing-custom-dashboards) internally by configuring access for specific users or user groups within your FastField account. You can even share your dashboard with external users, as well.

#### Q: Can I export or print the data displayed on dashboards?

**A:** Currently, exporting or printing directly from dashboards is not available.

#### Q: Are there plans to introduce more card types in the future?

**A:** Yes, FastField regularly updates its features, and the introduction of new card types is considered based on user needs and industry trends. Stay tuned for announcements on upcoming releases.