How to Utilize the Dashboard Side Bar in Quickbase

Quickbase Reporting & Dashboards

Declutter your Quickbase dashboards with the Side Bar. Learn how to add searches, buttons, and instructions without losing valuable screen space.

In Quickbase, the dashboard sidebar provides a modernized, space-saving way to display key widgets and streamline your workspace.

It gives users a centralized view of data, and customizing your dashboard sidebar is an easy way to keep important tools always within reach.

**Understanding Quickbase's Global & App Navigation Sidebar **

This left-hand sidebar—updated to replace the legacy top-bar navigation—gives you more horizontal screen space and faster access to your apps and tables.

  • Quick Access: Instantly access App Home, App Users, and Pipelines.

  • Settings Shortcuts: Hover over a table name in the sidebar and click the three dots to open a shortcut menu. This lets you access Fields, Relationships, and Advanced Settings in just two clicks.

  • Workspace Management: Use the pin icon at the top of the sidebar to hide it and free up screen space, or hover on the edge and drag to

How to Add Widgets to the Dashboard Sidebar?

  • From your dashboard, click Customize this Page.

  • Select a widget (such as a chart, report, or search bar) from the widget tray.

  • Drag and drop the widget all the way to the far-left edge of your screen.

  • Move your cursor until you see a green checkmark saying "Add this to the sidebar" and release.

Best Practices to Manage Quickbase Sidebar Widgets

  • Rearrange: You can drag and drop your sidebar widgets up or down relative to each other.

  • Expand Views: Sidebar items can be expanded for a closer look, or to present data clearly to your team.

  • Remove: To take an item out of the sidebar, simply drag it back onto the main dashboard canvas.

Utilizing the Global Sidebar Navigation a side from dashboard-specific widgets (see above), Quickbase features a persistent, app-wide sidebar.

  • Collapse/Expand: Use the arrow to collapse or expand the sidebar. The state will persist as you navigate.

  • Resize: Click and drag the inner edge of the sidebar to resize it.

  • Settings: Hover over App Settings or a Table name and click the "more" (three-dot) menu for quick access to most commonly used settings

For a comprehensive overview of Quickbase's navigation capabilities, please see Quickbase Help | Guide to Quickbase Navigation.

  • Author: April Barragan

  • Title: Solution Consultant | Quickbase

  • Email: abarragan@quandarycg.com

  • Date Updated: May 12, 2026

Top FAQS about Utilizing the Dashboard Side Bar in Quickbase

1. What is the Dashboard Sidebar in Quickbase?

The Dashboard Sidebar in Quickbase is a navigation panel that helps users quickly access reports, charts, tables, forms, pipelines, and key business tools from one centralized location within a dashboard.

The sidebar improves workflow efficiency by organizing frequently used resources into an easy-to-navigate structure.

Businesses commonly use the Quickbase Dashboard Sidebar for:

  • Project management

  • CRM navigation

  • Operations tracking

  • Team reporting

  • Workflow automation

2. How do I customize the Dashboard Sidebar in Quickbase?

To customize the Dashboard Sidebar in Quickbase:

  • Open your dashboard

  • Select “Customize Page” or “Edit Dashboard”

  • Add reports, buttons, charts, or links

  • Organize widgets into logical sections

  • Save your dashboard layout

You can personalize sidebars by:

  • User role

  • Team

  • Department

  • Workflow stage

Popular sidebar items include:

  • My Tasks

  • Open Projects

  • Approval Queues

  • KPI Reports

  • Shortcuts to forms

3. What are the benefits of using the Dashboard Sidebar in Quickbase?

The Quickbase Dashboard Sidebar helps users:

  • Navigate faster

  • Reduce clicks

  • Access key reports quickly

  • Improve productivity

  • Streamline workflows

Benefits include:

  • Better user experience

  • Personalized navigation

  • Faster reporting access

  • Improved operational visibility

  • Simplified dashboard organization

For growing organizations, sidebars help centralize daily workflow actions in one location.

4. Can the Quickbase Dashboard Sidebar be personalized for different users?

Yes. Quickbase allows dashboard personalization using:

  • Roles and permissions

  • User-filtered reports

  • Team-specific dashboards

  • Dynamic navigation widgets

Examples:

  • Sales teams see pipeline reports

  • Operations sees fulfillment dashboards

  • Executives see KPI summaries

  • Project managers see active project tracking

This creates a cleaner and more relevant user experience for every department.

5. What should I include in a Quickbase Dashboard Sidebar?

The best Quickbase Dashboard Sidebars typically include:

  • Frequently used reports

  • Quick-add buttons

  • Workflow shortcuts

  • KPI widgets

  • Calendar links

  • Team dashboards

  • Notifications

  • Pipeline statuses

Recommended sections:

  • My Works

  • Team Reports

  • Approvals

  • Analytics

  • Shortcuts

  • Admin Tools

Well-organized sidebars improve navigation and user adoption.

6. How do I improve navigation using the Quickbase Sidebar?

To improve Quickbase navigation with the sidebar:

  • Group similar reports together

  • Prioritize frequently used items

  • Minimize clutter

  • Use clear naming conventions

  • Create role-specific sections

  • Add direct links to forms and workflows

Example structure:

  • My Tasks

  • Team Metrics

  • Open Requests

  • Reporting Tools

  • Administration

This reduces time spent searching for information and increases workflow efficiency.

7. Can I use the Dashboard Sidebar for workflow automation in Quickbase?

Yes. Many businesses use the Dashboard Sidebar as a workflow hub within Quickbase.

You can add:

  • Pipeline monitoring reports

  • Approval queues

  • Automation triggers

  • Task management reports

  • Workflow status dashboards

This helps teams manage operational processes from a centralized workspace.

Common use cases:

  • Sales pipeline tracking

  • HR onboarding workflows

  • IT ticket management

  • Project approvals

  • Client onboarding

8. How do Quickbase roles affect Dashboard Sidebar visibility?

Quickbase Roles determine which sidebar items users can access.

Administrators can configure:

  • Dashboard visibility

  • Report permissions

  • Form access

  • Table access

  • Workflow controls

Examples:

  • Admins see configuration tools

  • Managers see team dashboards

  • Employees see personal task reports

This improves both usability and data security.

9. What are common mistakes when setting up a Quickbase Dashboard Sidebar?

Common Quickbase Sidebar mistakes include:

  • Too many navigation items

  • Poor organization

  • Generic report names

  • Unfiltered report

  • Duplicate widgets

  • Overloading dashboards with charts

Avoid clutter by:

  • Limiting unnecessary widgets

  • Using concise labels

  • Prioritizing daily workflows

  • Creating separate dashboards for different departments

A clean sidebar improves performance and user engagement.

10. Why is the Dashboard Sidebar important for Quickbase user adoption?

The Dashboard Sidebar plays a major role in Quickbase user adoption because it simplifies navigation and helps users quickly find the tools they need.

When dashboards are organized effectively:

  • Training time decreases

  • Productivity improves

  • Users engage more consistently

  • Teams adopt workflows faster

A well-designed sidebar creates a more intuitive and scalable Quickbase experience for organizations of all sizes.